New COVID-19 Variant Presents a Twist

More than 3 million Americans received their first vaccine dose by the close of 2020. While the pandemic is far from over, there is a sense of hope that the vaccine represents the beginning of the end. As this hope was rising, however, a new variant of the virus emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant, first detected in September 2020, seems to spread more easily and more quickly than other variants. It is now prevalent in London and southeast England, and it has since been detected in countries around the world, including the United States and Canada.

Listen to a pediatric infectious disease expert discuss the new COVID-19 variant

In this episode Sam Dominguez, MD, joins us to talk about the mutations present in the new COVID-19 variant, and what it means for pediatrics and for the vaccine.

Dr. Dominguez is a pediatric infectious disease physician at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Professor of Pediatrics and Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

In this episode, our experts discuss:

• The current epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic
• What’s known so far about the new variant of SARS-CoV-2
• Mutations present in the new variant and their possible clinical implications
• Preliminary findings about transmissibility, severity, detection and treatment of the new variant
• Whether the new variant might present differently in children, including possible increases in MIS-C
• Likely COVID-19 vaccine timeline for children
• Update on the current state of influenza and RSV activity in children

Treatment of infectious diseases at Children’s Colorado

Our pediatric experts in the Infectious Disease Program at Children's Colorado provide a breadth of expertise ranging from laboratory-based research to the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Pediatricians can treat many infectious diseases, but when unique or different symptoms are present, it’s important to refer to a pediatric specialist. We are prepared and ready to treat patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, including those with COVID-19 associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Our clinical staff has been specially trained on how to identify, isolate and treat patients with this and other contagious illnesses.