"One of them has to do with kids' immune response is different than adults'," said Dr. Daniel Johnson, Comer Children's Hospital Infectious Disease Specialist. "Part of it is they are exposed to different viruses, so maybe they have some degree of immunity."
[Ads /]
RELATED: Kids sick with mysterious illness possibly linked to COVID-19; symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, TSS
Johnson said kids also have a different distribution of immune-based cells that may lead to a different response. He also said a lot of the response to COVID-19 is being driven by conditions that compromise the immune system.
"Adults tend to be heavier, they have heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, things that kids thankfully have in way lower incidences," Johnson said.
[Ads /]
RELATED: Suburban boy, 6, battles mysterious illness possibly linked to COVID-19
But children are spreading the disease, Johnson said, though unlike the flu only 10 percent of children are the source of the virus. Still, it's enough that doctors say children aged 2 and older must wear masks.
Doctors are also urging teenagers to be more cautious. Pediatricians say teens are having trouble getting the message about wearing masks and social distancing.