The novel coronavirus pandemic is more dangerous for people with various pre-existing conditions like heart disease, asthma, and diabetes are at an increased risk for getting COVID-19 disease. Little is known, however, about how COVID-19 affects children and neonates. Researchers from Midwestern University have published research in the Journal of Clinical Virology on the vulnerability of children and neonates to the virus and what their role is in the transmission of the virus.
According to lead author Kathleen M. Muldoon, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Anatomy at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University, COVID-19 disease is especially dangerous for pregnant women, opening them up to dangerous pregnancies. "Studies to date suggest that the virus can be transmitted to the fetus in utero," Dr. Muldoon says. "Although the evidence for infection is under debate, the possible routes for infection are such that infection control measures are required to protect newborns."
Little is known about the dangers that COVID-19 to a fetus. More study is required to understand if the virus affects breast milk, as well as if any potential vaccine affects women, fetuses, and newborns.
"We are presenting the state of knowledge acquired to date about potential risks of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to the fetus and newborn," continues Dr. Muldoon. "This research is timely because information regarding the potential routes of acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prenatal and perinatal setting is of a high public health priority. Vaccines targeting women of reproductive age, and in particular pregnant patients, should be evaluated in clinical trials and should include the endpoints of neonatal infection and disease."