A Look at DESE's Cited Sources: Footnote #53 - Seasonal incidence of symptomatic influenza in the United States

DESE Claim: "Whereas for COVID-19 it appears children are less likely to be infected with and to transmit COVID-19, this is not the case for influenza, where children are frequent transmitters."

Cited Source: Tokars, J. I., Olsen, S. J., & Reed, C. (2018). Seasonal incidence of symptomatic influenza in the United States. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 66(10), 1511-1518. Available at https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/66/10/1511/4682599

Peer Reviewed?: Yes

Study Methodology: Literature review and statistical analysis

Notes: This is a 2018 (pre-COVID) study of the flu. The incidence of the flu can only be estimated because there are so many cases. Kids were estimated to have the flu more than adults. No claims about transmission to others are included.

Supports DESE Claim?: No. The study does not discuss transmission rates of the flu, but does indicate that children are more likely to have the flu.