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Can kids spread the coronavirus? 'Conclusively, without a doubt – yes,' experts say
Adrianna Rodriguez
USA TODAY
July 17, 2020
As school districts around the country begin to reveal reopening guidelines for when students return to classrooms in the fall, many parents are concerned about how the coronavirus could impact their children.
The White House has provided confusing statements. Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said Thursday "science should not stand in the way" of schools reopening and "science is on our side."
A compilation of studies and articles published in JAMA Pediatrics found most patients under the age of 18 with COVID-19, the illness caused by SARS-CoV-2, tend to have mild symptoms and fully recover within one to two weeks – quicker than most adults.
While this may alleviate some concerns, medical experts say parents shouldn’t let their guard down. Children can still be carriers of the virus and facilitate spread in their communities.
Whether your child is entering preschool or high school, here's what you should know about the coronavirus and how it can impact your family.
Can children carry the coronavirus and spread it?
“I think the answer is conclusively, without a doubt – yes,” said Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, chief of critical care at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Surveillance screening, which is testing all children admitted to the hospital, has revealed a higher percentage of them carrying the virus and not showing any symptoms, she said.
The trend is consistent with data from Florida. About one-third of children tested in the state for COVID-19 returned positive results, which is higher than the overall statewide positivity rate of 11%, according to state data.
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