The latest: People who have contracted covid are more likely to become infected than previously thought, according the first human challenge where healthy volunteers were infected with the virus. A team of researchers from Imperial College London conducted the study. It is the first time that we can see what happens when someone is infected by SARS-CoV-2. The results: All 36 volunteers were between 18 and 30 years old. They were given a low dose (equivalent to the amount in a drop of nasal fluid) of the original SARS/CoV-2 virus. Half of the participants experienced covid symptoms. They became infected within two days. The highest levels of infectious virus reached their peak at five days. The time between first symptoms and exposure was approximately five days. Participants in the study were infected for an average of nine days. They still had detectable levels in their noses 12 days later. Nearly all of the volunteers experienced symptoms similar to colds, such as a runny nose or sore throat. None reported serious symptoms. Although some patients received the antiviral drug Remdesivir prior to being infected with the virus, the trial did not show any significant improvement in severity. What does it all mean? The findings were derived from a small group of volunteers and published in a preprint paper which has yet to be peer-reviewed. They provide valuable insights nevertheless. Given the fact that people can become infected so quickly and remain infectious for so long, it is recommended that isolation periods be limited to around 10 days. Although it was initially detected in the throat, the virus eventually spread to the nose. This highlights the importance of properly covering the nose with face masks. Get tested The research supports widespread, regular lateral flow testing. The study data was used to model the results. Regular rapid tests can detect infection before 70-80% of infectious viruses have been created. This means that people who are positive for an infection could be tested more often and reduce community transmission. This trial could also be used to test for future versions or drugs, as none of the participants became seriously ill. Michael Jacobs, a consultant on infectious diseases at Royal Free London hospital, stated in a statement that the trial had provided "fantastic new insights into SARS/CoV-2 infection. He also said that the trial helped to test new vaccines and treatments.
