Coronavirus: Is there a way to know if you are an asymptomatic COVID carrier?

Actor-comedian Sunil Grover a.k.a Gutthi was recently admitted into a hospital due to a minor heart attack. Later, while undergoing a heart surgery, It was found that the actor was COVID positive too. Such incidental COVID cases have been reported by doctors since the beginning of the pandemic and more so in recent times when infection rates are high, but less severe. Many, like the actor, have no tell-tale symptoms or signs, but are testing positive for the virus. Such individuals are called asymptomatic carriers, given that they develop no symptoms, but are as infectious as the symptomatic patients.

Also read: Coronavirus: How Omicron symptoms may vary in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals

The SARs-COV-2 virus has proved to be extremely unpredictable and mysterious in many ways. The same virus that has claimed so many lives, sometimes, triggers no response whatsoever is people who are also called asymptomatic.

While there is no exact reason behind why some people develop symptoms and others don't, according to many theories and experts, it is either due to the body's stronger innate immune response to the virus or because some people are exposed to a smaller viral load.

Also read: Coronavirus: The complete list of COVID vaccines currently in use in India

Innate immunity is something that we're born with, a defense system that protects against all antigens. Some people are believed to have a strong innate immune response, which is the first line of defense. The virus fails to even reach the adaptive immune system which is composed of targeted antibodies. That said, having a strong innate immune system is extremely crucial. This explains why people with compromised immunity, diabetes, obesity and other chronic illnesses fall under the high risk category.

Additionally, how much virus you're exposed to may also play a role in determining whether you'll develop symptoms or not. Studies have found that those exposed to high viral load have had more distressing symptoms than those with low viral load exposure.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), asymptomatic carriers are laboratory-confirmed cases where a person infected with coronavirus does not experience any symptoms. The global health agency confirms that infected people can transmit the virus irrespective of whether they have symptoms or don't.

Preliminary findings from two South African studies have found that the Omicron variant has a much higher rate of “asymptomatic carriage” than earlier variants, which could explain why it has been spreading like wildfire across the world.

The two studies found that the rate of infection is much higher in the current wave than compared to the previous outbreaks. Additionally, the number of asymptomatic carriers is also greater in terms of proportion.

The heavily mutated, mild variant is known for its cold-like symptoms, but as per the recent findings, it seems it can also lead to asymptomatic infections.

COVID testing is the need of the hour. Given that both symptomatic and asymptomatic people can spread the virus, experts recommend either taking a rapid antigen test or an RT PCR test to identify the presence of the virus in the body.

Currently, a PCR, also known as a molecular testing is the best way to detect a coronavirus infection.

Following your test, it is important to isolate yourself and distance yourself from others until the reports reveal a negative test result. Those who test positive but have no symptoms should continue isolation since it curbs the spread of the virus.

Anyone who comes in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient should get themselves tested whether or not they develop symptoms or not. Doing so not only breaks the chain of transmission, but also keeps the most vulnerable safe and protected from a possible severe illness.

Amid mild COVID-19 infections, many have started to let their guards down. However, the pandemic continues to wreak havoc and cause severe illness in people who have pre-existing comorbidities and a weak immune system. Therefore, it is important that we take all precautionary measures. Wearing your masks, washing your hands, maintaining distance are all necessary steps to take. Those who are yet to receive their vaccines must do so immediately.