Most coronavirus cases are spread by people without symptoms, CDC now says

[UpInArms]

Source: CNN

(CNN)Most coronavirus infections are spread by people who have no symptoms, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in newly updated guidance.

It's one of the main reasons mask use is so important, the CDC said.

... snip ...

According to the CDC, 24% of people who transmit the virus to others never develop symptoms and another 35% were pre-symptomatic. It also said 41% infected others while experiencing symptoms.

Peak infectiousness comes five days after infection, the agency said on the website. "With these assumptions, 59% of infections would be transmitted when no symptoms are present but could range (from) 51%-70% if the fraction of asymptomatic infections were 24%-30% and peak infectiousness ranged 4-6 days."

... snip ...

The CDC said studies have shown 40-45% of infected people never develop symptoms.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/20/health/cdc-coronavirus-spread-asymptomatic-website-wellness/index.html

[mucifer]

1. Just more confirmation of what they have been saying. Assume everyone has it and u can get it

[Arne]

2. The plot of a terrible horror movie, but real.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

3. This statement reiterates the need for mass testing and contact tracing.

We're facing a lot of headwinds, folks.

With perhaps half the populace in denial or outright belligerent, three major holidays in quick succession and a lot of cold weather to go until spring.

Joe and Kamala have a monumental job ahead of them, all the while fighting a low-grade civil war with Republicans. The majority of Americans need to get behind them and follow the rules.

Sorry, but it's hard to be positive right now........

[byronius]

7. Gosh, wouldn't it be nice if we were smart enough to do those things as a nation?

Maybe if conservatism didn't practice destruction of public education?

We could have defeated this already. Damn it.

[snowybirdie]

4. My heart sank

When I saw pictures on FB this morning of my out of town family all together celebrating a birthday. Four families coming together inside, hugging and no distancing. Not a mask to be seen. One is highly lung compromised, one is a clinic nurse and four school age children hugging and smiling for the camera. I'm praying all will be ok for them, and so happy we've cancelled Thanksgiving with them. These stats are so concerning. The vaccine can't come soon enough.

[frazzled]

5. Masks, isolation ... but question about testing

We are 98% isolated at home, and wear masks even to go down to get the mail in our building. And wash hands all day. There is the occasional visit during senior hour for groceries.

But what about testing? Unlike some universities (U. of Illinois has some of the most successful and extensive testing), is the ordinary person expected to get tested at regular intervals? It would have to be, like, every 3 or 4 days to be of any value. And going to get tested is itself something of a risk. We haven't been tested: I guess we're waiting until we have some potential symptoms. I can't see the point to it. I'd do it now if I had to make an emergency trip to see an ailing relative, but that's it.

Am I wrong? Should staying at home, masks, distancing, and washing sufficient personal behaviors given this situation? It seems the best we can do.

[babylonsister]

6. We're doing what you're doing.

We also haven't been tested. I don't see the need as long as we're feeling fine and not going anywhere or near anyone.

On the very occasional trips out to shop, or Lowe's, we are always masked up.

[Sherman A1]

8. Stands to reason

Folks showing symptoms would likely (not always I know) be more careful. Hence a greater likelihood that if one has the virus but shows no symptoms and doesn’t know they have it, that they would be spreading it.