During the early days of the pandemic, studies had shown that older adults and other at-risk groups have the highest chances of having severe coronavirus infection. Now, the statistics and trends of new cases are changing with research showing that younger adults under the age of twenty-four are more likely to have the virus than any other age group.
In fact, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report shows that new million new cases of coronavirus infection have been diagnosed in younger adults. Fifty-seven percent of these people were people between the ages of eighteen to twenty-four.
Additionally, separate research published in JAMA Pediatrics also highlights the increase of coronavirus cases in children. In comparison with the spring of 2020, the number of kids contracting the virus has increased by nine-fold.
While younger adults still have lower chances of developing serious complications from the infection, the massive increase in new cases is a big cause of concern. This is because younger age groups and children both come into contact with multiple people from school, work, social groups, and family.
One of the primary reasons why people under twenty-four are catching the virus more than older adults is because of not following preventive measures for coronavirus as strictly. Such behaviors have been noted by experts since the summer of the past year after the end of the first lockdown.
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This is because most adults know that they are far less likely to develop serious health problems associated with the infection. It then gives them a sense of false security against the virus and they continue doing everyday tasks as they normally do.
Also, the infection is asymptomatic in many cases, especially in younger age groups. Often, people are not even aware of having the infection and they do not self-isolate. As a result, they ending up transmitting the virus to others around them.
The key solution to this concern of an increase in coronavirus cases among younger people is by encouraging them to follow coronavirus guidelines. However, this cannot be done by shaming and insulting people for throwing parties, traveling, or going out.
Such behaviors towards people can actually result in the opposite effect and it may only pave the way for more secretive gatherings. Therefore, it is better to engage in healthy dialogue and talk to the younger demographic about their own approach to the pandemic.
These mental exercises combined with discussions on how their behavior regarding preventive measures may impact others around them including parents, grandparents, friends, and others can be significantly helpful.
For children, there is a need for the extra effort. One of the most effective ways to get kids to follow preventive measures such as wearing a mask and maintaining distance is by setting an example and teaching them the right approach to the pandemic.
This will help in making children stick to the guidelines even when they are not around their guardians, older siblings, and parents.
