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Younger children more likely to spread COVID-19 at home, study finds

Researchers found that children 3 years and younger were the most likely to spread COVID-19 to other members of their household.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New research shows teenagers are the most likely to bring COVID-19 into their homes, but once it's there, babies and toddlers are the most likely to spread the virus to their families. 

Researchers found kids 3 years or younger were most likely to spread COVID-19 to other members of their household. The findings were part of a major study in Canada.

So why are young kids now playing such a big role in the transmission of the coronavirus? Experts say there are a few things happening at once. 

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First, there's just more data. Now that kids are back in schools and day cares, we're getting a more accurate picture of how kids can spread COVID-19. 

Second, several studies have shown that young kids can carry the same viral load as adults.

RELATED: VERIFY: COVID-19 has caused more pediatric deaths than the flu in the last 18 months

Finally, experts say behavior could play the biggest role. Younger kids, especially babies and toddlers, require a lot of hands-on care. And because they can't isolate when they're sick, it means if the baby's sick, there's a good chance someone else in the family will be, too. 

Doctors say the study's findings reinforce how important masks and social distancing are in school and day care settings. 

RELATED: Pediatric infectious disease doctor explains how to help keep your child safe at mask-optional schools

Contact Ben Thompson at bthompson@wcnc.com and follow him on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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