The Omicron strain was the mainstream of infection, and as a result of examining 220 patients, mainly high school students and younger, who were infected with the new coronavirus after March and were considered to be moderately or severely ill, about 10 people without underlying diseases. A survey conducted by the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine revealed that this number is two-thirds.
The Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine found that the Omicron strain was the mainstream of infection among medical institutions nationwide with hospital beds for children, and was infected with the new corona between March 10 and this month. We examined the presence or absence of symptoms and underlying diseases in patients under the age of 20, mainly high school students and younger.
As a result, a total of 220 patients were enrolled as moderately or severely ill who received oxygen or were on a ventilator.
Of these, 70 had underlying diseases that were considered to be at high risk of becoming severe, less than one-third of the total, and about two-thirds had no underlying diseases.
More than 90% of patients with moderate or severe symptoms under the age of 20 are under elementary school age
Looking at the 220 people by age, 15% are under the age of 1, 43.6% are preschoolers over the age of 1, 32.7% are elementary school students, 4.1% are junior high school students, and 4.5% are high school students and above. accounts for over 90%.
In addition, as a result of investigating the specific symptoms of patients, which is considered to be the seventh wave of infection, among 131 people registered as moderate or severe from June 26th to 28th of this month, the most common is acute. Encephalopathy accounted for 26%, followed by pneumonia at 20.6%, and convulsion at 16.8%.
In addition, 79 people, or about 60%, needed treatment in the intensive care unit.
The Pediatric Intensive Care Committee of the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine said, "Compared to before, the number of children with severe symptoms has increased since the outbreak of the Omicron strain. We want appropriate infection control measures to reduce the risk of infection." increase.
Expert ``Vaccine to prevent children from becoming seriously ill''
Akihiko Saito, director of the Japan Pediatric Society and professor at Niigata University, commented on the survey, saying, "Due to the epidemic of the Omicron strain, the number of infected people has increased, and the number of children with severe symptoms has increased, which has become a major problem in clinical settings. are there,” he points out.
And he calls out, "The most effective way to prevent serious illness is vaccination. Children of the age that can be vaccinated should be vaccinated."
Regarding vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 years old, on the 8th of this month, a subcommittee made up of experts from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said that data on the effects and safety of Omicron strains in children had been collected, and received vaccination. We have decided on a policy of “obligation to make efforts” that parents must strive to do.
In addition, the Japan Pediatric Society also announced this month that "vaccination is recommended".
On the other hand, as of August 29, 19.7% of people who received two doses of the vaccine for ages 5 to 11 were lower than other generations.
Regarding this, Professor Saito said, ``At the time when the new corona epidemic began, children were unlikely to be infected, and even if they were infected, they would have no symptoms or mild symptoms, so there was an impression that vaccines were not necessary. or?” he points out.
"The situation surrounding children has changed dramatically. It has been confirmed that vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness even in children, and they are being vaccinated all over the world, and a huge amount of data on safety has been collected. It is a vaccine that can be inoculated with peace of mind even if it is, so vaccination is important to prevent aggravation and prevent loss of life."