(1/7) The #SARSCoV2 viral load data from Germany has been reanalysed, and continues to suggest no meaningful difference between the viral load of children and adults. There's a lot to discuss in this paper. Read on... #COVID19
virologie-ccm.charite.de/fileadmin/user…
virologie-ccm.charite.de/fileadmin/user…
(2/7) First, two different testing systems were used. Data from the system used early in the epidemic for community screening (which best reflects people with early symptoms and who those who are pre-symptomatic) show no difference in viral load between children and adults.
(3/7) Data from the system used later in epidemic when household & contact testing reduced show a small difference between children & adults (children had lower levels). However, children tested more likely to be hospitalised (later in course of infection when viral loads lower).
(4/7) The difference observed between children and adults with the two systems therefore likely represents a difference in the patient groups that were selected for testing, rather than a real difference between the viral load of children and adults.
(5/7) Furthermore, any observed difference between children and adults may not be clinically meaningful. It is also vital to consider social and behavioural differences between these groups, such as the fact that children may have many more contacts than adults.
(6/7) The authors state that "unlimited re-opening of kindergartens and schools would re-establish behavioural traits that facilitate virus transmission through contact" and "opening of these facilities should be carefully monitored by preemptive diagnostic testing."
(7/7) I'd encourage everyone to have a read of this paper. The authors have done a great job of explaining why some of the apparent differences between children and adults are more likely attributable to social factors rather than biological differences.
