Children of school age pose a danger to adults
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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It's strange to hear, but school-age children are ... A source of contagion for adults.
This conclusion was reached by experts from the University of Rochester, led by lead author of the study, Anne Felsey. The results of their studies were published in the journal "Journal of Clinical Virology".
Experts analyzed a thousand samples of sputum and discharge from the nose of adults suffering from COPD - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The scientists set out to identify the source of the infection, because of which people were constantly ill.
"Before we got down to work, I expected that the main factors provoking permanent colds would be low human immunity or chronic diseases," says Dr. Felsey. "And in the end, we found that children of school age are the main factor that increases the risk of infection of others and even aggravating the course of the disease."
The data obtained during the research make it possible to explain the fact that those who work directly in contact with children are more likely to "catch" the infection than others.
More than a third of the population is infected with rhinoviruses, but they do not even suspect it.
Further studies show that patients who develop symptoms of the disease that develop into a full-fledged cold, with all the ensuing consequences ( runny nose, sore throat, fever and hoarse voice), are twice as likely to contact children as those who have an infection "Stalls" at the initial stage.
Although scientists can not yet unequivocally state the reason for this reaction, they suggest that it is most likely due to the fact that the immunity of children is not strong enough to create protection against a wide range of rhinoviruses that we encounter throughout life. As a rule, colds in children go through with great complications.
"It is possible that the probability of" catching "an infection by an adult depends on how much his body can withstand the development of the common cold. But when he is surrounded by children, the risk of getting a full-fledged cold is doubled, "the researchers say.
In order not to be left with colds, doctors advise to wash hands more often and to touch less to eyes and nose, and also try to have less contact with sick children.
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