Three out of each 4 U.S. kids have been contaminated with the coronavirus, Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention researchers estimated in a report Tuesday.
The researchers examined blood samples from greater than 200,000 Individuals and appeared for virus-fighting antibodies constructed from infections, not vaccines. They discovered that indicators of previous an infection rose dramatically between December and February, when the extra contagious Omicron variant surged via the U.S.
Probably the most hanging enhance was in kids. The share of these 17 and below with coronavirus antibodies rose from about 45% in December to about 75% in February.
For Individuals of all ages, about 34% had indicators of prior an infection in December. Simply two months later, 58% did.
“I did count on it to extend. I didn't count on it to extend fairly this a lot,” mentioned Dr. Kristie Clarke, co-leader of a CDC staff that tracks the extent of coronavirus infections.
The older folks have been, the much less possible they'd proof of previous infections, the research discovered. For these 65 and older, 19% had indicators of prior an infection in December and 33% did in February. That could be as a result of older adults have increased vaccination charges and so they could also be extra more likely to take different COVID-19 precautions, akin to sporting masks and avoiding crowds, Clarke mentioned.
Clarke mentioned the exams can detect antibodies for one to 2 years after an infection, and presumably longer.
Research have proven earlier an infection can shield some folks towards extreme illness and hospitalization, however CDC officers pressured that the beforehand contaminated ought to nonetheless get COVID-19 vaccines.
The research appeared for any detectable degree of antibodies; it didn't distinguish how many individuals had antibody ranges that is likely to be protecting. Scientists are nonetheless attempting to grasp what position these sorts of antibodies play in safety from future virus exposures.
Officers proceed to induce Individuals to get vaccines and boosters, which supply extra safety towards COVID-19 for all, together with those that have been beforehand contaminated.
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