Summary
- A study conducted in China investigated infection rates and age-dependent risk profiles of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza among the pediatric population in educational settings.
- The study found that the highest SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was in persons 18 years of age, while the highest influenza infection rate was in children 4 years of age.
- Most participants infected with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza were asymptomatic, with 60% of SARS-CoV-2 infections and two-thirds of influenza infections being without symptoms.
- The study also identified different circulation patterns between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, with findings indicating negative viral interference between the two viruses.
- These findings could inform vaccination strategies and intervention measures such as mask wearing, environmental disinfection, and handwashing in educational settings for the control of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
A recent study conducted in Wuxi, China, investigated the infection rates, symptomatic proportions, and age-dependent risk profiles of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza among pediatric populations in educational settings. The study found different age-dependent infection risk profiles between the two viruses, with the highest SARS-CoV-2 infection rate observed in persons 18 years of age, and the highest influenza infection rate in children 4 years of age. A higher proportion of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections was seen in young children compared to older groups. The study also highlighted the asynchronous circulation patterns of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, indicating negative viral interference between the two viruses.
The findings from the study can inform vaccination strategies and other interventions, such as mask-wearing, environmental disinfection, and handwashing in educational settings for the control of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The results underscore the importance of considering age-specific infection risk profiles in developing targeted public health interventions. The study was conducted during a period of increased influenza and SARS-CoV-2 activity in China, providing valuable insights into the transmission dynamics of these respiratory viruses among children in school settings. Future studies are needed to investigate possible long-term interactions between influenza and SARS-CoV-2 to further enhance control and prevention strategies.
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Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics