Why Asymptomatic COVID Cases Are So Dangerous?

Introduction:

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, and even after almost two years of research and precautionary measures, one aspect that continues to confuse healthcare experts is asymptomatically infected patients. In medical terms, asymptomatic patients are those who show no or very mild symptoms of COVID but can still infect others. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 are considered extremely dangerous to the public health system.

The Reality of Asymptomatic Cases:

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that almost 80% of COVID-19 cases do not show any symptoms or very mild symptoms. Asymptomatic cases are relatively more dangerous because they can unknowingly spread the virus to others while carrying on with their daily activities. Such cases are found to be the primary cause of the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus. Various studies have shown that asymptomatic cases can infect two to three people on average, while symptomatic cases only transmit the virus to one or two people. As a result, it is challenging to control the spread of COVID-19 when asymptomatic carriers are present.

The Science Behind Asymptomatic Cases:

Asymptomatic cases are dangerous because they exhibit the ‘silent spread’ of the virus, which is when people infect others even before realizing that they are infected. Research suggests that when the virus enters the human body, it starts multiplying, and as more and more viral particles accumulate in the body, the chances of spreading the virus to others increase significantly. Asymptomatic carriers have a similar viral load as symptomatic patients, and therefore, although they may not have cough, fever, fatigue, or other common symptoms, they can still transmit the virus through respiratory droplets or even while speaking. Thus, asymptomatic cases are capable of spreading the virus as efficiently, if not more, than symptomatic patients.

The Challenge of Identifying Asymptomatic Cases:

Another reason why asymptomatic cases are dangerous is that they are difficult to detect. Since these patients do not show any symptoms, they are less likely to get tested or seek medical attention. Moreover, asymptomatic patients can go undetected, even in a high-risk setting like a hospital or nursing home. Hence, identifying asymptomatic cases is crucial in preventing the further spread of COVID-19.

Preventing the Spread of Asymptomatic Cases:

To prevent the spread of asymptomatic cases, it is essential to follow strict prevention protocols, such as wearing masks, social distancing, practicing good hygiene, and regularly getting tested. Additionally, the use of contact tracing and tracking apps can also help identify asymptomatic cases. Countries that have implemented strict measures to detect and isolate asymptomatic cases have had better success in controlling the spread of COVID-19. While the rollout of vaccines has been successful in many parts of the world, it is critical to maintain prevention and detection measures to avoid setbacks.

Conclusion:

Asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 prove to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Due to their lack of symptoms, these patients can unknowingly spread the virus and infect others, leading to a rapid increase in cases. Identifying asymptomatic cases is crucial to control the spread of COVID-19, and it is imperative to strictly follow prevention protocols while continuing to ramp up vaccination efforts. While we may battle the COVID-19 virus for some time, remaining vigilant and taking precautionary measures can help us overcome this pandemic together.