NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A prominent Nashville doctor is raising concerns highlighted in a new study about kids and COVID-19. The study reveals how kids may spread the disease even easier than adults.
The study released Thursday in the journal "Pediatrics" from the American Medical Association says, when compared to adults, young children infected with COVID-19 had between 10 and 100 times a greater amount of the virus in their nose and throat.
Meharry Medical College President Dr. James Hildreth tweeted the study Thursday, saying "Implication is clear: Children could potentially initiate super-spreader events in re-opened schools."
New study finds that infected school-aged children have high amounts of COVID19 virus in their nose & throat. Implication is clear: children could potentially initiate super-spreader events in re-opened schools. https://t.co/gkN2GjbJ6H via @JAMAPeds part of @JAMANetwork
— James E.K. Hildreth (@JamesEKHildreth) July 30, 2020
"Given this data, given what we know about a child's role in transmitting other respiratory viruses, unless there’s proof otherwise, the safest thing is to assume children can also transmit this respiratory virus," Dr. Tina Hartert with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt told NewsChannel 5.
Doctors say studies haven’t yet had the opportunity to see how kids can spread the coronavirus because kids have been home and schools have been closed.
"We’ve got to get the spread of the virus down to a low level in the community before its safe to open schools and then we need to put in place things that work to prevent spread within those schools," Hartert said.
With schools set to reopen, we may soon see the impact of COVID-19 on kids — not in a study, but in real life.
What is the rebound?
As Middle Tennessee works to rebound from the impact of the Coronavirus, we want to help. Whether it's getting back to work, making ends meet during this uncertain time, or managing the pressure, we're committed to finding solution. In addition, we want to tell your stories of hope, inspiration, and creativity as Middle Tennessee starts to rebound.
Find more in the sections below
-
Safely Back to School
How schools are changing, and what you can do to help your child get the most from their education, in-person or virtual -
Making Ends Meet
Find help on topics from rent to food to new belt-tightening techniques -
Managing the Pressure
Feeling isolated or frustrated? Learn ways to connect with people virtually, get counseling or manage your stress. -
Doing What’s Right
Keep track of the way people are spending your tax dollars and treating your community. -
State of Education
Find ways to cope with the new normal around schools and celebrate students’ success in the age of Coronavirus. -
We're Open Y'all
Support local businesses doing their best to stay open and serve their customers during Covid.