Infectivity of asymptomatic versus symptomatic Covid-19
Author(s): Namrata Bhaskar, Abhishek Joshi*, Himabindu Reddy and Ashok Mendhale
Abstract
Recently COVID-19 has emerged as a possible threat to the human populace globally. Since then it has been spreading worldwide. The virus spreads rapidly and can causes fatal damage to the respiratory system hence has been declared a pandemic. Average time period of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can often be up to 14 days 5. The virus essentially affects the respiratory system, although there may be involvement of other organs too. Studies have identified that virus attaches itself to the Angiotensin 2 receptors (ACE-2) present in the host’s body to enter the respiratory mucosa. Infection can either be acquired by inhalation of some infected air droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces (by the air droplets) and then touching individual’s mouth, nose and eyes. Common symptoms include cold, cough, fever, body ache but there can be asymptomatic infections too. Asymptomatic individuals can also infect other individuals and are difficult to trace. Lack of uniformity in pattern of results of laboratory and radiological tests of the carriers who are asymptomatic increases the problem as some of them can have totally normal chest CT scan and other laboratory reports. Many methods like contact tracing has been adopted to trace such individuals. At present, prevention and treatment of the asymptomatic carriers should be of importance. In the high risk settings and high risk population dual detection systems including detection of the serum antibodies and nucleic acids is suggested with quarantine for a minimum of 14 days following the diagnosis as an asymptomatic carrier.