Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

The World Health Organization China Joint Mission reported human-to-human transmission in China largely occurred within families, accounting for 78% to 85% of clusters in Guangdong and Sichuan provinces. Stay-at-home orders reduced human mobility by 35% to 63% in the United States, 63% in the United Kingdom, and 54% in Wuhan, relative to normal conditions. This decrease in mobility increased time at home with family. Although the CDC recommends maintaining 6 feet of distance from a sick household member, this may be difficult to achieve in practice and not be fully effective.

The findings of a study published in JAMA Network suggest that given that individuals with suspected or confirmed infections are being referred to isolate at home, households will continue to be a significant venue for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Understanding there are challenges with maintaining a “sick room” in the home, this is really the safest practice. Identify areas in the home that will only be occupied/visited by the sick family member. Meals can be brought to the quarantined areas and left outside the door, sanitizing should be performed by the infected family member and ideally a private bathroom can be used.

These are challenging times, we get it, but the data doesn’t lie, let’s spread the love not the virus! Stay well, mask up and stay tuned!