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People with COVID-19 infect around half of their household members, with children only slightly less likely than adults to spread the virus, according to a new study published by the US CDC. "Substantial transmission" occurred, whether the first patient was an adult or a child. Nearly 200 household contacts were studied, and more than half were infected within about a week of the first patient’s diagnosis. Many who contracted the disease at home had no symptoms, "underscoring the potential for transmission from asymptomatic secondary contacts and the importance of quarantine." Interpreting the findings, the authors of the paper wrote: "In this ongoing prospective study that includes systematic and daily follow-up, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among household members was common, and secondary infection rates were higher than have been previously reported."
The CDC continues to advise that people who think they might have COVID-19 should isolate themselves from others in the household, including sleeping separately and using a separate bathroom if possible, and wear a mask. They should not wait for test results to begin these measures.
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