Asymptomatic Transmission and the Infection Fatality Risk for COVID-19: Implications for School Reopening

Abstract

Asymptomatic infection occurs for numerous respiratory viral diseases, including influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We seek to clarify confusion in 3 areas: age-specific risks of transmission and/or disease; various definitions for the COVID-19 "mortality rate,"each useful for specific purposes; and implications for student return strategies from preschool through university settings.