Health

What does asymptomatic mean, and can I still have coronavirus without symptoms?


FOR thousands of people across the globe, the new coronavirus has triggered life-threatening symptoms. 

But for as many as 50 per cent of individuals infected with Covid-19, the deadly illness can be practically invisible.

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 Up to 50 per cent of individuals infected with Covid-19 are asymptomatic

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Up to 50 per cent of individuals infected with Covid-19 are asymptomaticCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The warning signs of coronavirus include a new, continuous cough, a high temperature and shortness of breath.

However, doctors have now revealed that some people may not show any of these three signs of Covid-19.

And if you don’t display any symptoms – known as being ‘asymptomatic’ – then the risk of infecting others increases as people do not know to self-isolate.

Here, we take you through exactly what it means to be asymptomatic during the coronavirus outbreak…

What does asymptomatic mean?

If you are asymptomatic, you are carrying a disease but have no symptoms.

According to new research, around half of all coronavirus patients show no symptoms at all but are still infectious.

Researchers made the revelation after gathering data from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Of the 3,711 passengers who were tested, 712 tested positive, and 331 (46 percent) didn’t show symptoms, according to Japan’s health agency.

Those who are asymptomatic are most likely to be healthy, younger and even children.

The US Centers for Disease and Control (CDC) said: “Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.”

Can I still have coronavirus without symptoms?

Yes, though you may not have any symptoms you could be a “silent carrier” of the disease and still pass it on to those around you.

Science journal Nature says the warning sign of “covert transmission” is finding sick people with no recent international travel or contact with anyone displaying symptoms.

The exact rate of such transmission is unknown, but inferences are it’s very high.

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The dramatic outbreak in the US state of Massachusetts is a case in point.

Researchers believe at least 82 cases out of 2,000 were contracted from spreaders not yet showing symptoms.

It can also take five days to show symptoms, research has found, and they can still appear after the quarantine period.

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

Symptoms of coronavirus vary widely, with patients reporting a huge range of different symptoms.

However, the NHS says the two main signs of coronavirus are a temperature above 37.8 degrees C or new continuous cough.

It’s entirely possible to have just one of these two key features without the other.

Some people will start with one and develop the other a day, or even several days, later.

As well as a dry cough and temperature, it’s understood that some people may also experience breathing difficulties, which is when hospital treatment may be needed.





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