We started December with an average daily COVID-19 case count of about 100 cases in Hawaii. Over the past week, we’ve seen five straight days of elevated infection numbers as high as 1,511.
As we approach holiday gatherings and events, we face a triple threat of viruses: omicron, delta and influenza. How can we protect our families from such a perfect storm?
As a pediatrician, I understand the weight that comes with a parent/guardian’s responsibility to keep their keiki happy and healthy. It’s not always easy to know fact from fiction and right from wrong. So, here are the facts as we know them:
• COVID-19 is a highly contagious infectious disease; new cases are expected to surge through the holiday season and omicron is even more infectious.
• The 2021-2022 flu season has seen notable increases in flu activity, the majority in young adults and children.
The 2020 flu season saw historically low infection, hospitalization and death rates, likely due to strict COVID-19 prevention measures. However, as mask and social distancing restrictions continue to subside, so does our protection against the virus.
Additionally, omicron has now surpassed delta as the dominant COVID-19 variant, causing dramatic surges in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths in all regions. On top of this, holiday events and gatherings without any limitations significantly increase the likelihood that the highly transmissible variant will spread rapidly throughout the community.
With multiple threats coming at our keiki from all directions, it is a parent’s kuleana to do whatever it takes to protect them. In this case, that means getting your keiki vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.
Last month, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians issued recommendations for children ages 5 to 11 to receive an age-approved COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, studies show that approximately one-third of parents plan to take a “wait-and-see” approach despite many of them being vaccinated themselves.
With this surge, adopting a “wait-and-see” approach puts your entire family at great risk.
COVID-19 infects people of all ages. It is now one of the top 10 causes of death for children in the United States. Even in so-called “mild” cases, your child will have to endure a fever, persistent cough, sore throat, muscle aches and nausea which will prevent them (and others in your family) from seeing friends and family during the holidays.
Furthermore, the disease has potential long-term effects including brain fog, chronic fatigue, body aches, dizziness and breathlessness — all of which could impact performance in school or participation in extracurricular activities.
Getting your keiki vaccinated against COVID-19 is safe, effective and free. Children ages 5 through 11 receive a lower dose, which may also lessen the potential side effects. As always, parents are encouraged to speak with their child’s physician if they have any questions or concerns.
As your children take a break from school this winter, take the first step toward a safer holiday season by making their COVID-19 vaccination appointment. This is your opportunity to provide them with a future in which they’re protected against infection.
Jennifer Case is a pediatrician at Hilo Medical Center.