Live updates: Omicron Variant in Chicago

As the omicron variant rages, an increasing number of children are being hospitalized with COVID-19.

Across Illinois as of Jan. 5, hospitals reported 173 patients who were 17 years old or younger, according to a state public health department spokeswoman. Kids and teens made up 2% of all hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at the time.

Given that the number of pediatric hospitalizations remain statistically small, it’s a sign that many children and teens have been largely protected from getting seriously sick if they were infected with COVID-19.

Still, this is a frightening vision, and one that doctors and public health officials say is preventable.

Read more: As COVID cases rise dramatically among kids, here’s what Illinois parents need to know