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Study: Kids Can Transmit COVID for Approximately 72 Hours

Children Infected with COVID-19⁣ Can Spread the Illness‌ for⁣ Three Days, Regardless of Vaccination Status

A recent study conducted in California revealed that children infected with COVID-19 can spread‍ the illness ⁣for approximately three ​days, regardless of their vaccination status. The study tracked 76 children aged 7 to 18 and found that the median duration of infectivity was three days after a positive ⁢test result.

The researchers, led by Neeraj Sood from ‍the University​ of California, Los ⁣Angeles, collected throat swabs from the children during five ⁢home visits over a 10-day period. The swabs were then analyzed to determine infectivity.

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The study found‍ no differences in infectivity‌ between ‍unvaccinated,‍ vaccinated, and boosted participants. This suggests that current policies requiring a five-day isolation period after a positive test‍ may be appropriate, and‌ there may not be a need ‌to discriminate return-to-school policies based on vaccine or⁤ booster status.

Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at the University of ⁢California,‌ San Francisco, believes that the ⁤study’s results should lead to a change in CDC⁤ guidance. ‌She suggests lowering the isolation ⁢period for children⁢ to three days instead of five to minimize missed school days.

However, Jason McDonald,⁣ a⁢ spokesman for the CDC,​ stated that the CDC‍ would not be changing its guidance, as the ⁣study’s authors themselves⁤ suggested​ that the current guidance might be appropriate.

Previous research on infectivity among adults in the Omicron era also found no link between vaccination status and ‍the duration of⁢ infectivity, with a median duration of five ‌days.

The CDC initially recommended a 10-day isolation period for COVID-19 positive individuals, but later shortened it to five days, regardless of ⁤vaccination status.⁣ While‌ other health agencies have revised their isolation guidance, the CDC has maintained its recommendation for isolation⁢ after a ⁣positive test.

“People who are infected ‍but asymptomatic or⁢ people with mild COVID-19 should isolate through at least day 5 (day 0 is the day symptoms appeared or the date the specimen was collected‌ for⁣ the positive test for ⁢people who are asymptomatic),” the guidance states.

During a recent briefing,⁣ CDC official Dr. Demetre Daskalakis stated that there are no plans to change the isolation recommendations.

In another study published this week, researchers‌ from the⁢ University of Pittsburgh and the University ‌of Michigan found that child‍ care centers play a “small role” in the spread of COVID-19. The study followed 83 ‍students and 21 child care workers with reported COVID-19 cases⁤ and found that the transmission rates within the ⁤centers were only 2-3%. ‍The majority of household infections came from other sources.

The authors of the study suggest that these results should prompt a discussion about changing ⁢CDC guidance for testing children with respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose for COVID-19. They argue‌ that focusing on testing and long exclusion‌ periods for children in child care centers⁤ may be‍ unnecessary ⁢and burdensome for families.

Overall, these studies provide valuable insights into the duration of infectivity in children and the role of child care centers‌ in COVID-19 ⁣transmission.‌ They highlight the need for ongoing‍ evaluation and potential adjustments to public health guidelines to effectively manage the spread of the virus.

Should‌ return-to-school policies continue⁢ to be based on ⁢vaccination or booster status, or should they⁢ focus on other preventive measures like⁣ mask-wearing⁢ and ventilation

Significant ​difference in the duration of infectivity based on vaccination status. A study ⁢published in the ⁤Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that fully ⁢vaccinated individuals with breakthrough infections of the Omicron variant had a similar viral load and duration‌ of viral shedding as unvaccinated individuals. This indicates that vaccinated individuals can potentially transmit the virus just as easily as unvaccinated individuals.

The findings of⁢ these‍ studies have important implications​ for public health policies, particularly in educational settings. As schools continue to​ grapple with the challenges of managing COVID-19 outbreaks, it is crucial to base policies on scientific evidence. The study conducted in California provides valuable insights that can inform decision-making.

In light ‌of these findings, it is important to reevaluate⁢ current policies regarding isolation and return-to-school protocols. The standard ⁢five-day⁤ isolation period for children after a positive COVID-19 test may not be⁤ necessary if the infectivity duration is⁣ actually shorter, as suggested by the study. Shortening ⁣the isolation period can help minimize the disruption to children’s ‍education while still ensuring the safety of the school​ community.

Furthermore, there may not be a need to ‍discriminate return-to-school policies based on vaccination⁤ or ⁤booster status. The study found no ⁤significant differences in ⁤infectivity among unvaccinated, vaccinated, and boosted participants. This implies that⁤ vaccination status ⁣alone may not⁤ be a reliable indicator of the risk of ⁢transmission. Instead, focusing ⁤on other preventive measures, such as mask-wearing and improved ⁢ventilation, can be more effective in reducing ​the spread of the virus in‍ school ⁤settings.

It is important⁢ for public health authorities, ⁢such as the Centers for Disease Control and ⁤Prevention (CDC), to consider these research findings and reassess their guidance ‍accordingly. Dr. Monica Gandhi’s ⁤suggestion to lower the isolation period for children to three days reflects the need to align policies with the latest scientific evidence. While the CDC​ has ⁣stated that they will not be changing their guidance​ at this time, it is crucial ‍for them to remain open to revising their ⁢recommendations based on emerging research.

In conclusion, the recent study conducted in California highlights that children infected with COVID-19 can spread ​the illness for approximately⁤ three days, regardless of their vaccination status. ​These findings suggest ​that current‌ policies requiring a five-day ⁣isolation period may be more ​stringent⁤ than‍ necessary, and there may not be a need to base return-to-school policies on vaccine ‍or booster status. It is essential for public health authorities⁣ to consider these research findings and adapt their guidance to‍ ensure a ⁣balance between minimizing transmission and ‌mitigating the impact‌ on⁣ children’s education. By continuously updating and refining policies based on scientific evidence,⁣ we can optimize⁤ the management of COVID-19 among children and promote their overall well-being.



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