COVID-19 Update, Monday, August 3rd

Viral Loads in Kids, new at home test, pets, young adults and long-haulers.

1. New data suggests that children under 5 could be primary spreaders of COVID-19. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found very high amounts of SAR-CoV2 in the nasopharynx (nose and throat) of children ages 0-5 compared to those over 5 (they had anywhere from 10-100 times the amount of viral load). This was true even when the child had a mild to moderate case of the virus. This did not prove they transmit it more highly (that was not the intent of the study) and it was a relatively small study (only 145 children) but it does suggest it, and it aligns with prior findings out of France and Germany. Also of note, prior research has found that nasopharynx viral load is typically higher in individuals with mild to moderate cases making them bigger spreaders than more severe cases which is fairly typical. (generally speaking, the sicker you are the less contact you have with others, so milder cases tend to have more contact therefore they have more opportunity to spread a disease. In this case, it seems they also tend to have higher viral load in their nose and throat making spread more efficient). More research is needed to know if the higher viral load truly equates to higher spread from children under 5.

2. The FDA provided an EUA (emergency use authorization) for an at home test for COVID. The test would be saliva based. In related news, a clinical lab that currently offers an anterior nasal swab, CRL Rapid response test, says it will increase capacity to get more tests out. It is considered a more sensitive test than other anterior nasal swabs. Sensitivity refers to how accurate the test is in finding true positives. Testing capacity and accuracy is still an issue in the United States with some tests being wrong over ½ the time and test results taking up to 10 days in some places.

3. Family pets can get COVID-19 and should be protected the same way you would protect a family member. Well….you probably shouldn’t attempt to get your dog or cat to wear a mask but you should take precautions. Your pet should avoid strangers, going to bars and attending wild parties. Pets do not seem to be a source of spread but they can become ill themselves.

4. The WHO says young adults seem to be causing much of the current surge around the world. Activities like, large gatherings, attending bars, clubs, and parties are significant sources of the current spread. In addition, younger adults are more likely to be deemed essential workers and/or be unable to work from home. Those who live in multi-generational homes are also considered a significant source of spread to the higher-risk groups. (I.e. a 20 something who has a grandparent in the home.)

5. Covid-19 “long haulers” is the term being used to describe those who continue to experience symptoms more than 100 days after infection.

FINAL THOUGHTS: It’s Monday. Let’s dance into this week full of hope and determined to build others up because we know what it feels like to be torn down. The week will bring with it challenges and obstacles and temptations, of that we can be sure. But we are strong, and we are determined, and this week we will rise to the occasion. This week we will do no damage, this week we will lift up those around us and remain silent when we would rather not. Put a little whipped cream in your coffee today as a reminder to delight in the ordinary. Then move forward with strength and dignity and compassion. Let’s make this a week we can be proud of. People are hurting in ways we cannot see or know. Gentle words may be just the salve they need. Here we go.