How many kids who are infected show no symptoms?

How likely are they to spread it to other kids and adults?

“The bottom line is we just don’t know yet the degree to which children can transmit the virus,” said Dr.

Evidence from the U.S., China and Europe shows children are less likely to become infected with the virus than adults and also less likely to become seriously ill when they do get sick.

There is also data suggesting that young children don’t spread the virus very often but that kids aged 10 and up may spread it just as easily as adults.

“We were excited to be able to feel like we could contribute somehow,” she said, explaining why the family chose to participate.

But the true number is likely much higher because many kids have silent infections or only vague symptoms and don’t get tested.

The family study is also investigating whether children with asthma or allergies might have some protection against COVID-19.

The boys — 7-year-old Andrew and 9-year-old Hudson — were excited to take part in the study, McNulty said.

“Generally speaking, the virus behaves differently in children than adults,” said Kimberlin, a pediatrics professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.