As the Delta variant continues its rampage across the U.S. and other parts of the world, kids under 12 who can’t yet receive a COVID-19 vaccine remain at high risk. As we embark on the third school year in a row affected by this pandemic, parents are collectively exhausted by the constantly shifting risk assessment that enters into everyday decision-making.
Delta is more than twice as contagious as previous variants, which is especially concerning as millions of children are back to in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. Although severe COVID-19 related illness is uncommon among children, the long-term impacts are still uncertain as the infection rate for children is on the rise. Not to mention that the vaccine for five to 11-year-olds may not be ready until later this year.
Given what we know about the Delta variant (and the potential emergence of new variants), parents would be wise to brace themselves for a tough COVID, flu, RSV and cold season this winter. While everyone’s individual sets of consideration will be different as their children attend school and participate in other activities, here are a few strategies for reducing your family and community’s risk.
1. Masking
While some states have prohibited school districts from imposing mask requirements, it’s still an individual’s right to wear a mask. But not all masks are created equal. Especially given how contagious the Delta variant is, and you might want to opt for something more protective than your child has previously worn. While N95 masks aren’t made to fit kids, KN95 and KF94 masks are a good, close-fitting alternative with similar filtration.
At the same time, the best mask for your kid is ultimately the one they’ll wear all day, so if they’re constantly tugging at the more protective, disposable kind, opt for a cloth one instead. If the fit isn’t right, try another brand—keep in mind that no mask type will fit every face shape.
2. Testing
Whether you opt for it at regular intervals or only when your child is symptomatic, testing is one of the most effective ways to manage the spread of COVID-19 in your community. You may want to form a collective with other parents at your child’s school and agree to test on a regular basis, which would help to detect outbreaks before they get out of control and give your family extra protection.
Pixel* by Labcorp’s at-home collection kits were the first to receive EUA for ages two and up and are a convenient testing option to avoid a trip to a doctor’s office or COVID testing site. Sample collection is comfortable for your child with a short nasal swab, and results are typically returned within one or two days of the sample being delivered to Labcorp’s lab. The test is also proven to detect all variants.
You may be eligible for a $0 upfront cost if your child meets clinical testing guidelines, such as experiencing symptoms or having been exposed to a person infected with COVID-19, in which case the test can be billed to your insurance or be funded through the government for uninsured individuals. If your child doesn’t meet the guidelines, and you wish to pay out of pocket, the cost per kit is $119.
3. Improving Ventilation
This is obviously impossible for individual families to make happen by themselves, but it’s important to get answers from your local school board about actions they have taken to improve air quality in schools, many of which have aging HVAC systems. If upgrading an entire HVAC system isn’t currently feasible, perhaps suggest opening doors and windows to more easily let in fresh air or buying a portable air cleaner.
The good thing is that this school year, vaccines are available to those 12 years and older and schools know more about how to operate safely through physical distancing, ventilation, masking requirements and other measures. Stay informed and stay safe!
About Labcorp
Labcorp is a leading diagnostics company committed to powering clear and confident decisions about your health. Labcorp has processed over 50M COVID-19 tests throughout the pandemic and has an at-home PCR COVID-19 test collection kit for ages 2 and up with $0 upfront cost, when meeting clinical guidelines.
*Pixel by Labcorp offers this test and collection kit with an FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This means that while the laboratory performing this test has validation data to support offering this test and the collection kit, neither have been approved or cleared by the FDA. This test has only been authorized by FDA for detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., the COVID-19 virus), and not for any other virus or pathogen. It is only authorized during the duration of the COVID-19 emergency declaration by federal regulators. Labcorp may modify or cease to offer the test and the test kit upon direction of state or federal regulators in its sole discretion. Please see the Patient Fact Sheet and the Health Care Provider Fact Sheet for additional information.
