Asymptomatic: these days many are wondering what exactly it could mean, but it is one of the words with a precise concept that sometimes escapes; therefore asymptomatic is a subject who, despite the disease, does not present any apparent symptomsFurthermore, there is a period called "incubation," during which the infectious disease is already present without showing any signs. Therefore, the incubation period is "asymptomatic" and ends when the patient experiences the first symptoms. However, according to the World Health Organization, the presence of asymptomatic patients with coronavirus seems possible. On the other hand, symptomatic people are currently the most frequent cause of spread of the virus.
Cases of asymptomatic patients
Since the first days of coronavirus, experts have never hidden the possibility that the virus could be asymptomatic, meaning the infected person would never realize they were carrying it. However, the infection can be transmitted even during the incubation period. According to statistics from the National Institute of Health (Istituto Superiore della Sanità), almost 10% of the subjects analyzed tested positive but were asymptomaticCases of asymptomatic carriers of the virus were also present on the nave Diamond Princess before the quarantine began. Just like the footballer Daniele Rugani, who tested positive for COVID-19, is currently asymptomatic: after being swabbed for a slight fever, he tested positive even though he did not show all the symptoms that characterize it.
How contagious is an asymptomatic person really?
The professor clarifies the matter. Fabrizio Pregliasco, virologist at the University of Milan, as well as medical director of the Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute in Milan.It's less likely that an asymptomatic person, compared to someone with a cold and cough, will significantly infect another person. In fact, it's possible, but with less efficacy and less probability.. Testing positive doesn't mean you're sick: there are some people who, despite testing positive, may never develop symptoms."
Research on the asymptomatic
But the final word on asymptomatic transmission still belongs to the research conducted in China and just published on New England Journal of MedicineSpecifically, the data indicate that the amount of virus peaks immediately after the first symptoms appear, with high levels in the upper respiratory tract. Furthermore, the other important element that emerges from this research is the ease with which the Coronavirus It also multiplies in people without symptoms, resulting in its presence in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Therefore, Even those who have no symptoms can transmit the infection.
The new restrictions
However, the greatest danger, as of today, could be this. The risk is not for those who contract the virus asymptomatic, but for anyone who might be around them. In this regard, all the restrictive measures summarized by the expression remain in place: #I stay at homeIn particular, government measures limit people's movements, close shops (with the exception of those selling essential goods, such as food, pharmacies, parapharmacies, tobacconists, newsstands, petrol stations), block sporting events, They are suspending all teaching activities throughout the country until April 3rd.. So maximum attention and prevention, even at home.
Thanks for the cover image: pixabay.com
