The goal of our study is to assess the viral dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children \< 19 years with acute infection to inform public health practice.
Specific Aims:
1. Describe the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in children with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection
2. Assess the impact of various host factors on viral dynamics, including age (\<1 year, 1-4 years, 5-11 years, 12-18 years), symptoms, clinical severity (hospitalization vs. outpatient), comorbidities (immunocompromised vs. not immunocompromised), vaccination (none, 1 dose, 2 doses)
3. Estimate the time point at which children are less likely to be infectious
4. Assess the sensitivity of self-collected rapid antigen testing (RAT) in children, compared to PCR (e.g. assess RAT test performance in children)
