Can Asymptomatic People Spread the Coronavirus Disease

Coronavirus keeps evolving with new things to learn. One of such discoveries is the asymptomatic status of some patients.

There are people who exhibit no symptoms of COVID-19, yet their medical test shows that they have been infected. This condition is called asymptomatic according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

While the asymptomatic condition sounds like good news to the infected patient, it’s risky for the patient and others around.

Younger people are more likely to transmit COVID-19 asymptomatically

According to a preliminary study involving 2,824 individuals who had been in contact with infected people, more than 80% of people aged 20 and under may show no symptoms after contracting COVID-19.

One of the main reasons why younger people, especially children, are more likely to infect others is because they are usually unaware of their condition. Besides, most children were undiagnosed during the early stages of the pandemic due to the lack of testing materials as health workers prioritize older adults.

According to a study on contact tracing in South Korea, young people (between the ages of 10 and 19) did not show symptoms. But when they do, about 18% of their contacts in the past contracted COVID-19.

Similarly, many countries that have conducted cluster investigation and contact tracing reported that asymptomatically infected individuals are much less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms.

Tips to Limit or Prevent Asymptomatic Spread of Coronavirus

Vaccination

Covid 19 vaccines are safe, effective, and produced to protect you against getting infected and infecting others. They all provide immunity to the SARS-COV-2 virus by stimulating an immune response to an antigen, the spike protein on the virus. They either weaken or disable the virus and strengthen the body’s immune system to fight it when exposed to covid 19.

Currently, there are over 150 different vaccines in trials. But the four main types available are:

• The whole virus vaccine (Sinopharm, Sinovac).
• RNA or mRNA Vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna).
• Non-replicating viral vector (Oxford-AstraZeneca, Sputnik V).
• Protein Subunit (Novavax).

Although the vaccines have been tested on various adults of different ages and medical conditions, and it appears safe, certain people are excused from taking it. These groups include:

• children under the age of 16
• People with severe allergies
• People with health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma
• Pregnant and nursing women in the case that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Once you are vaccinated, you can start doing the things you could not do because of covid 19.

Use masks

The most common preventive measure of covid 19 before the development of vaccines is to use a mask. According to the CDC, every two years and older should use a nose mask outside of their homes, and if they are receiving new visitors, they should put their face masks on.

If someone in your home is infected, endeavor to use a nose cover. If you keep adjusting your mask, it means it does not fit, and you might need to find another nose mask or a different brand. Ensure you can breathe easily.

Social distancing or avoid mass gatherings

When you are in your home, avoid close contact with ill people and maintain 6 feet distance. When you are outdoors, keep 6 feet of space between yourself and people, and avoid social gatherings or poorly ventilated rooms.

Comply with public health orders. Health orders differ from location, but they may include quarantine and isolation.

Maintain good hygiene at all times

Clean your hands well with detergent and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after sneezing, covering your mouth. Mainly, wash your hands after using the toilet, before eating, before touching your nose, mouth, and eyes, after caring for sick patients, handling your mask, and leaving the public space.

If there is no water, use hand sanitizer (60% alcohol) evenly across your hands until they are dry. Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands or after shaking another person.

Conclusion

Asymptomatic cases of covid 19 often do not show any signs and symptoms. There is little data on how asymptomatic patients transfer the virus to another person, which means a high probability of being transferred to another person unknowingly.

Therefore, it is vital to follow health measures such as getting covid 19 vaccines, using masks regularly, washing hands, practicing social distance, and using hand sanitizers. You likely have questions about how to care for yourself and how to avoid spreading the virus. Utilize National Coronavirus Hotline Guides to gain access to free content, tips, and video content

Originally published at https://blog.nationalcoronavirushotline.com on June 4, 2021.