COVID-19 Update: Where This Pandemic is Headed for Pediatrics

COVID-19 cases are surging across the U.S. and parts of Europe, outpacing the anticipated winter respiratory season. In Colorado, community transmission is also on the rise with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment warning that hospitalizations in the state are likely to blast through the peaks of April and could overwhelm the state’s intensive care units by January.

You can go back and listen to our previous coverage on the COVID-19 pandemic on seasons 3 and 4 of this podcast.

Listen to our pediatric infectious disease expert discuss the future of the COVID-19 pandemic

In this podcast, we delve into the latest epidemiology of the pandemic and where things are headed for pediatrics.

We are fortunate to have Sam Dominguez, MD, join us once again. 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:

• Updates on the epidemiology of COVID-19
• The U.S. response in getting mortality rates down
• Rising cases throughout the U.S.
• The possibility of exceeding ICU bed capacity in Colorado as early as December due to cold weather and upcoming holiday travel and gatherings
• Factors that may be playing a role in the increased spread of the virus
• What we know about MIS-C
• Testing capacity in the fall and winter
• Factors to consider for guiding testing
• How well we’re getting flu vaccines to kids and communities
• Updates on different modes of testing for COVID-19
• Where we stand with vaccine development

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 2019 novel coronavirus. Our clinical staff has been specially trained on how to identify, isolate and treat patients with this and other contagious illnesses.