Talking Points:
1. The importance of the inflammation as a potential cause of the coronavirus.
2. How does a child vs adult immune system differ?
3. How can we protect our children from getting the coronavirus?
Dr. Dan answer: The data so far shows children have not been hit has hard by the virus so far. Unlike the H1N1 outbreak that significantly impacted children that has not been the case with coronavirus. This is not to say that children have not been infected since children are more asymptomatic at this time. This is why looking at immunology is so important as we differentiate a child vs adult immune system.
In childhood, our immune systems are immature and in the case of the coronavirus children don’t seem to be mounting an immune response. Children get eight or more colds a year and children are building their immune systems as they encounter cold viruses for the first time, so they have not built up resistance.
Children are used to getting other coronaviruses such as the one that causes the common cold so they may have antibodies in their bloodstream from exposure so there may be some cross protection against the coronavirus.
Whereas in an older adult the immune system is wearing out. Also, in adults the inflammatory process is much more robust compared to children because as people age their lung environment changes as the body responds to inflammation, and the coronavirus is setting up a cascade of inflammation of organs as severely inflamed organs cannot do what they are supposed to do.
As we do more research and continue to test children, more cases may appear but right now the children tend to more asymptomatic if they do have it, but at the very least children not having it as much as adults could help in the future about how the coronavirus actually behaves.
What are some preventive measures that parents can do to protect their children?
Dr. Dan answer: You need to teach your children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, social distancing from other children who are sick, and don’t touch your face or eat until you wash your hands, and be mindful regarding sending your children to school, and also be cautious for kids who have pulmonary diseases like asthma.
General Questions on COVID-19:
- What are your thoughts on preventing viruses like the Coronavirus COVID-19 from occurring?
Answer: The more proactive we are with our own health, the better outcomes we will have in the future, so seek out immediate care from a healthcare provider if you notice flu-like symptoms. - Dr. Dan, you are a medical futurist. Tell us what advances are around the corner.
Answer: The future lies in Telemedicine, Digital Health, Robotic Surgery Technology (shorter recovery, smaller incision, etc.), and Artificial Intelligence.
About Dr. Dan O’Brien
Dr. Dan O’Brien is a physician and professor with a passion for innovative healthcare technologies and public health. He understands the need to improve quality of care, cost, and access in healthcare.
As a Chief Medical Officer for multiple healthcare startups and an award-winning scientific and academic leader, Dr. Dan brings substantial experience in public health and healthcare management.
An award-winning scientific and academic leader, Dr. Dan has worked with several biotech and pharmaceutical companies on increasing awareness, education, and research in many diagnostic and therapeutic fields, including in the biotechnology industry.
Not only is Dr. Dan is a medical expert for the here and now, but he’s also a medical Futurist, with specialized knowledge in nanobots, remote surgery and medical apps with algorithms that can be used in early detection as well as using AI to project the likely spread of disease.
Dr. Dan has an extensive physician network including relationships with key opinion leaders around the world. He has completed his clinical rotations at Emory University in Atlanta, GA and also has completed a certificate of participation from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has an MBA in healthcare management, and a B.A from the University of Notre Dame.
