Are children seriously ill 10 times more likely than in Japan? Famous doctors reveal key reasons
Are child deaths from severe illness higher than in neighboring countries? Is the vaccine given too slowly and too long?
The local Omicron epidemic continues to spread, and more than four children have died from severe illness. The outside world is worried that children are not vaccinated, which may increase the severity and mortality of children. Dr. Huang Gaobin, deputy director of the Infection Control Center of the Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University and commander of the Central District of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Medical Network, said that the current severe illness rate in children is about 10 times that of Japan and nearly 6 times that of South Korea. Children’s vaccines We really need to start fighting as soon as possible.
“Currently, we have a relatively high rate of serious illness and death among children. This is because Taiwan is just at its peak. Looking at the entire epidemic over time, the rate of severe illness and mortality will be relatively reduced. In addition, our children’s vaccine rollout is a bit slow. Previously, Mod It’s been too long since I took two doses, so I still need to take them as soon as possible!”
Dr. Huang Gaobin reminded that the media and the public are paying attention to the occurrence of “acute necrotizing encephalitis” in children after being infected with the epidemic. In fact, vaccines can be used to enhance protection and prevent severe disease. In addition to the vaccines for children aged 6-12 that have recently been launched, small children may also be included in the scope of vaccination in the future.
Can a child expect to receive 3 doses of BNT? Don’t rush to get meningococcal vaccine
Dr. Huang Gaobin pointed out that last year’s BNT vaccine research on children was not very effective, but this year’s study found that children over 6 months old and under 5 years old could achieve a protective power of 80.3 if they were given a third dose three months after two doses of the vaccine. %, it is expected that in the future, children will be vaccinated with 3 doses of BNT vaccine.
As for the status of the Moderna vaccine, Dr. Huang Gaobin pointed out that children over 6 months old and under 5 years old are vaccinated with a dose of 25 micrograms, and only 2 doses at corresponding intervals are enough. It is expected that new EUAs for children’s vaccines will be approved one after another after June.
As for the recent viral rumors on the Internet, parents are rushing to get the “Meningococcus B vaccine”. Dr. Huang Gaobin emphasized that the bacteria targeted by this vaccine are completely different from Omicron and COVID-19, and it does not have any preventive or protective effect. On the contrary, influenza vaccine has been shown to be helpful in some literature studies. Since influenza and Omicron are both RNA viruses, it is recommended to take influenza vaccine to increase protection.
How severe is encephalitis in children? Pay attention to the four major signs of high fever and vomiting
People from all walks of life are concerned about the severe encephalitis caused by infection in children. Dr. Huang Gaobin explained that this type of necrotizing encephalitis used to be called “acute necrotizing encephalopathy” and mainly occurs in children infected with influenza virus, herpes simplex virus or human herpes virus type 6. , the mechanism is that viral infection triggers the body’s immune response, leading to brain damage.
Dr. Huang Gaobin pointed out that similar clinical cases of the new coronavirus have also been found. There were two cases in Hong Kong at the beginning of the year. Based on the population ratio of Taiwan and Hong Kong, Taiwan should not have more than six cases. This is the most noteworthy thing at this stage.
Dr. Huang Gaobin emphasized that the obvious symptom of “acute necrotizing brain disease” is a high fever exceeding 41 degrees, which is more obvious than the increase in body temperature caused by general infection. It is related to the virus’ invasion of the optic thalamus, brainstem and various brain areas, especially infection. When it reaches the brainstem, it will affect the respiratory and circulatory center, which may lead to a rapid drop in blood pressure without treatment.
Dr. Huang Gaobin reminded that there are several major signs of severe encephalitis in children, including high fever, vomiting, confusion, and cramps. Parents are reminded to pay attention to obvious symptoms caused by brain invasion, such as increased brain pressure. Once the above symptoms are discovered, the child should be sent to the doctor immediately for treatment.
Further reading:
Is it safer to let children become infected naturally? Doctor: Wrong concept! Vaccination is the key
