Are Children Coronavirus Super-Spreaders? Recent Studies Explain
Just how contagious are children?
One of the few positive aspects (if we can call it that) of the COVID-19 pandemic has been that very few children have been falling ill. This dreadful virus that has infected more than 17 million people all over the world seems to be sparing most children. Those who did get infected experienced mild symptoms such as respiratory distress and had underlying conditions. “For the most part, kids seem to have milder symptoms than adults,” explained Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician and CEO of Happiest Baby. “However, there have been some cases where kids get really sick.”
Although children are less likely to contract the novel coronavirus, they are not as resilient as previously thought. More than that, as the new studies suggest, they can spread the virus even if they themselves are not sick. “There has been some suspicion that kids may actually not transmit it to adults, which would be a good thing, but I do not think we can hold out that hope,” Dr. Sunil Sood, a pediatric infectious disease specialist from Northwell Health’s Southside Hospital.
“I see no biological reason why they wouldn’t be contagious,” he added. “Why would this virus be different from other respiratory viruses — even coronaviruses that cause common colds? Kids transmit them to other kids and adults commonly, so why would this virus be any different?”
