Babies and young children are more likely to spread COVID-19 in their homes compared to older children and teenagers, according to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics.
Researchers from Canadian health institutions wanted to know the differences in the odds of household transmission of COVID-19 by younger children compared to older children. The study examined 6,280 households with pediatric index cases, and researchers compared the transmission rate among different groups of children based on age ranges.
Children between newborn and 3 years old were 1.43 times more likely to spread COVID-19 than children between 14 and 17, the study found. The finding was true even with other factors, including presence of symptoms, school/childcare reopening, or association with a school/childcare outbreak. Children aged 4 to 8 also showed some evidence of greater odds of household transmission.
“Although children do not appear to transmit infection as frequently as adults, caregivers should be aware of the risk of transmission while caring for sick children in the household setting,” wrote first author Lauren Paul, MSc., of Public Health Ontario, et al. “As it is challenging and often impossible to socially isolate from sick children, caregivers should apply other infection control measures where feasible, such as use of masks, increased hand washing and separation from siblings.”
Researchers noted understanding the role children have had in spreading the virus has been challenging. Plus, few other studies are looking at which age groups have higher likelihoods of transmission. And while researchers found babies and toddlers are more likely to transmit, they aren’t sure why. Meanwhile, other studies have found children are less likely to show symptoms even if they are infectious or have the virus.
“The differences in infectivity for pediatric age groups across studies may be explained by differences in viral shedding, symptom expression, and behavioral factors,” wrote Paul et al. “Viral load is suspected to be an important factor affecting the odds of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Several studies of age-specific viral shedding of SARS-CoV-2 have reported that viral loads in children are similar or higher than viral loads in adults.”
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."