Asymptomatic Transmission and the Infection Fatality Risk for COVID-19: Implications for School Reopening
Sten H. Vermund, Virginia E. Pitzer
Abstract
Asymptomatic infection occurs for numerous respiratory viral diseases, including influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We seek to clarify confusion in 3 areas: age-specific risks of transmission and/or disease; various definitions for the COVID-19 "mortality rate," each useful for specific purposes; and implications for student return strategies from preschool through university settings.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineAsymptomaticCase fatality rateConfusionTransmission (telecommunications)Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakPandemicDiseaseCoronavirusVirologyIntensive care medicineImmunologyEpidemiologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)Internal medicineOutbreakEngineeringPsychoanalysisPsychologyElectrical engineeringCOVID-19 epidemiological studiesCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsCOVID-19 and Mental Health