Prevalence and Infectivity of Asymptomatic Covid-19 Disease
Author(s): Shweta Mathew, Abhishek Ingole* and Ashok Mehendale
Abstract
The new coronavirus pandemic which began in late 2019 has spread across almost all nations, affecting and causing innumerable deaths around the world. From the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in December of 2019, it has wreaked havoc and posed significant hurdles in several nations throughout the world. However, there is mounting evidence that many people infected with the COVID 19 virus are asymptomatic or have just minor symptoms, but can still spread the virus to others. However, the extent of severity, modes of transmission as well as the prevalence of such asymptomatic cases are yet to be determined. Some studies show that the coronavirus disease 2019 virus is transmitted mainly through airborne droplet inhalation, which are produced from the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Fomites and dust particulates are also considered to be other less significant means of spread. A patient is said to be infected with the COVID-19 virus if he/she tests positive when their throat swabs are subjected to a nucleic acid test (RTPCR). The absence of the typical COVID-19 symptoms is said to contribute to the rise in the number of cases. This is due to the fact that individuals who are asymptomatic are unaware that they are infected, and therefore do not get tested, making them more likely to spread the virus to those around. Screening for asymptomatic infections is challenging, which makes national prevention and control of the epidemic more difficult. This article examines the attributes, treatment, and consequences of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections in the hopes of facilitating an early and effective prevention as well as control of this serious public health concern around the world.