PLANO - As Texas fights the swine flu, we're learning more about how the virus is spreading.
A new study points the finger at school-age children.
Quest Diagnostics examined thousands of flu tests. They found that more children from five to 14 years old test positive for H1N1 than any other age group.
According to the study, the virus then spreads from younger kids to their siblings and parents.
New research shows that even if you're feeling fine and symptom-free, you could still be spreading the H1N1 virus.
So many people are overloading the phone lines at medical offices that some doctors are turning to Twitter to keep parents and patients informed.
Medical Clinic of North Texas is among those Tweeting updates - including which offices have vaccine available.
For weeks now, health experts have been urging people who get the flu to stay home for 24 hours after the fever subsides. But research at the Air Force Academy shows the virus might live long after the symptoms end.
A study of sick cadets published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine showed about 25 percent were still shedding virus seven days after the onset of symptoms; 19 percent had been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Researchers say people who work with at-risk populations might want to rethink when to return.
"Those organizations might want to consider the findings of our study and perhaps extend the isolation period for those who are diagnosed with H1N1," said Lt. Col. Catherine Takacs Witkop, who authored the report.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is standing by current recomendations, saying fever is still the best way to know if someone is infectious.
Patients who want to be sure can always ask their doctor.
CDC authorities say just because someone is shedding virus doesn't necessarily mean they're spreading the sickness. But researchers do say that H1N1 appears to be most contagious during the first three days of illness.
