Scientists find out when COVID patients are most infectious

Scientists have found out when patients with coronavirus disease are most contagious, Report informs.

Experts from the University of Paris analyzed the data of 655 patients admitted to a French hospital in March 2020.

Using a computer model, they were able to retrospectively trace the viral load at different stages of the disease, as well as the duration of the virus shedding and the mortality rate.

The researchers found that the average viral load is reached the day before symptoms appear.

At the same time, the period between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms will be shorter in people with a higher viral load.

Also, the authors of the study noted that in patients in the age group over 65 years, the pathogen was leaving the body on average three days longer than in young people.