ALL NEWS

Some children have ended up in Utah’s hospitals with COVID-19

Aug 12, 2020, 6:39 AM | Updated: 6:41 am

COVID-19 testing...

FILE - In this May 14, 2020, file photo, Jerry A Mann, center, is held by his grandmother, Sylvia Rubio, as he is tested for COVID-19 by the San Antonio Fire Department (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

(AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

SALT LAKE CITY – It very rare for children to get a serious case of COVID-19. A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics and The Children’s Hospital Association show, however, that it is not impossible. 

While more than 2,800 children in Utah have tested positive for COVID-19, 36 have needed to be treated in the hospital for it. Sometimes, they have even ended up in the Intensive Care Unit. 

Dr. Jennifer Brinton, MD says most of the children she has helped at Primary Children’s Hospital had an underlying condition, but not all of them. 

“Several of the children that we’ve admitted have not had those underlying conditions and have still gotten sick,” Brinton says.

Where are children getting these serious cases of COVID-19? 

Dr. Brinton says most are catching it from family members, though a few picked it up somewhere in their communities. 

Treatments for children in the hospital can differ based on age, with older teenagers getting treatments similar to the ones adults get. 

“[However] a lot of the teens who can let us know how they feel, don’t feel like they’re back to normal even when their lung symptoms improve,” Brinton says.  

What also concerns Dr. Brinton and others is the number of children who develop Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome afterwards, which can lead to swelling an heart damage. 

“The inflammatory disease associated with COVID is unrelated to whether you have an underlying disease,” Brinton says. 

To keep kids safe, Dr. Brinton recommends the same advice adults get: wear a mask, social distance whenever possible, and wash your hands. 

She also recommends children pick out their own mask, perhaps with a creative or fun design, to encourage them to wear one more often.

Read the full report here

  


How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

  • Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
  • Don’t touch your face.
  • Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
  • If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
  • Get a flu shot.

Local resources

KSL Coronavirus Q&A

Utah’s Coronavirus Information

Utah State Board of Education

Utah Hospital Association

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Utah Coronavirus Information Line – 1-800-456-7707

National Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Commonly asked questions, World Health Organization

Cases in the United States

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

Left: Actor Tom Wilson performs onstage in May 2005, (Frazer Harrison, Getty Images) Right: Crispin...

Jeff Caplan

Jeff Caplan’s Minute of News: Do bullies grow up to make more money?

A new study from the University of Essex found that schoolyard bullies grow up to make more money.

1 hour ago

"Godzilla x Kong" could have gone without a number of special effects....

Steve Salles

KSL Movie Show review: ‘Godzilla x Kong’ would have been better with more story, less flash

The non-stop, splashy action of 'Godzilla x Kong' started to run together like a psychedelic, neon-tinted kaleidoscope.

2 hours ago

Louis Gosset Jr....

BETH HARRIS Associated Press

Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87

Actor Louis Gossett Jr. has died at the age of 87. He won an Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries "Roots".

2 hours ago

easter egg basket shown, easter spending will be in the billions in the us...

Peter Johnston

Easter spending could bring a $22 billion golden egg for retailers

Easter spending might not be as high this year compared to 2023 but Americans are still expected to spend $177 each on the holiday.

2 hours ago

a person pumps gas, which is expected to lower in price in 2023...

Andrew Adams, KSL TV

Data shows significant uptick in gas prices over past month in Salt Lake area

AAA gas prices showed Utah with an average price of $3.77 as of Thursday morning, up from nearly $3.13 a month ago.

2 hours ago

planting trees in a container...

Mitchell von Puttkammer

Dig, clip, water: Planting trees in the spring

It's a great time of year to plant trees, but where do you start? KSL Greenhouse Hosts Maria Shilaos and Taun Beddes dig up everything you need to know to get started.

3 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Some children have ended up in Utah’s hospitals with COVID-19