• Published on: Jul 07, 2020
  • 1 minute read
  • By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

Asymptomatic Carriers Of COVID

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Why Asymptomatic carriers of COVID are as dangerous as symptomatic patients

 

Many countries have now begun enforcing masks for everyone to wear when out in public, in enclosed spaces, or on public transport. There is good evidence to support these measures, but unfortunately, some still show resistance to the idea. Whilst some reasons put forward are non-sensical (masks do not cause any noticeable or measurable decrease in oxygen delivery to the body), other people feel like they shouldn’t wear a mask because they do not have symptoms of COVID. And thus would not spread anything. Here we look at a recent publication in Nature, one of the most esteemed peer-reviewed scientific journals in the world, and what it shows us about the transmission of COVID in a population.

This study by Lavezzo et al looked at the suppression of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the Italian municipality of Vo’. This municipality is 50 kilometers west of Venice with a population of just 3,416 people. It experienced its first casualty of COVID on the 21st of February, after which it underwent lockdown for 14 days. During this time data was collected on the clinical presentation and hospitalization of COVID patients, as well as other citizens through the contact tracing network.

In total 2,812 residents were tested in late February, with another 2,343 tests performed two weeks later at the end of lockdown. Nasal and throat swabs were taken to identify infected individuals. The study found only 2.6% of people were positive for COVID at the start of lockdown, which reduced to 1.2% two weeks later.

Out of this infected population, 42.5% were asymptomatic. They had no symptoms at the time of swab testing nor did they develop symptoms afterwards. When the viral load was measured between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, there was little difference.

Evidence has pointed to a large asymptomatic population, and previous studies have shown it to be as high as 50% in some cases. Many would assume if a patient has no symptoms then they must have fought the infection before it became an issue, or had a very low viral load and therefore were not likely to spread it. This study shows it is simply not true. Asymptomatic carriers of COVID are likely to contribute to the transmission and spread of COVID amongst the population.

If you are asymptomatic you have as high a viral load as someone who is symptomatic. But there is no way to tell without a swab. You have as much of a potential to spread the infection to the vulnerable. Even in people who became symptomatic the height of transmission was found to be before the patient showed any symptoms.

So what does this mean? If you have COVID you are likely to spread it before you show any symptoms or any symptoms at all. We know masks are effective at significantly reducing the spread of COVID, by catching the water droplets that carry the SARS-CoV-2 Virus. Now that shops and public places are re-opening, the risk of spread is high.

Wear a mask. Stop the spread.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2488-1_reference.pdf suppression of a SARS article

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Importance of Meditation in Indian Culture

Importance of Meditation in Indian Culture: The Ancient Path to Modern Peace

India has gifted many things to the world - yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy - but meditation (Dhyana) stands as one of its greatest contributions. Deeply woven into India’s cultural and spiritual identity, meditation is not just a ritual but a pathway to harmony between body, mind, and soul.

Ancient Roots of Meditation in India

The concept of Dhyana appears in the Rigveda (around 1500 BCE), describing meditation as contemplation upon truth and self. Later, the Upanishads explored it as a means to attain Moksha (liberation).

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (2nd century BCE) organized meditation into an eight-limbed path (Ashtanga Yoga). The sixth limb - Dhyana - leads to Samadhi, the ultimate state of unity.

Indian religions adopted meditation as a spiritual discipline:

  • Hinduism: Japa (mantra repetition) and Raja Yoga for inner awakening.
     

  • Buddhism: Vipassana and Zen traditions for mindfulness.
     

  • Jainism: Samayika for equanimity and compassion.
     

  • Sikhism: Simran - meditative remembrance of the divine name.
     

Meditation: A Bridge Between Spirit and Science

Modern research continues to validate ancient Indian wisdom. Studies from AIIMS, NIMHANS, and Harvard Medical School show that consistent meditation:

  • Reduces stress by 30–40%
     

  • Lowers cortisol and blood pressure
     

  • Improves focus, sleep, and emotional regulation
     

  • Enhances brain grey matter density in the prefrontal cortex
     

In India, wellness centers and corporate programs now integrate guided meditation for stress relief and creativity - showing how ancient practices adapt beautifully to modern life.

The Cultural Dimension

Meditation in Indian households has never been confined to monks or saints. From morning prayers to evening silence, daily reflection is ingrained in tradition. Even classical arts - music, dance, and Ayurveda - emphasize meditative awareness.

Indian philosophers like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda globalized meditation in the 19th and 20th centuries, influencing movements like mindfulness and Transcendental Meditation worldwide.

Meditation in Modern India

Today, platforms like SecondMedic, Art of Living, Isha Foundation, and Vipassana centers make meditation accessible to all. Apps, online retreats, and tele-sessions reach even small towns.

Government initiatives such as “Fit India Movement” and International Day of Yoga highlight meditation as essential to national wellness.

Why Meditation Matters More Than Ever

In a fast-paced world filled with screens, deadlines, and noise, meditation is India’s ancient antidote. It reconnects people with stillness, builds emotional resilience, and promotes compassion - the foundation of true wellbeing.

Meditation reminds us that peace isn’t something to search for outside; it’s something to discover within.

 

Conclusion

Meditation lies at the heart of Indian culture - timeless, inclusive, and profoundly healing. From sages in Himalayan caves to modern professionals in bustling cities, its purpose remains the same: to find balance, clarity, and oneness.

As India leads the global wellness movement, meditation is not just our heritage - it’s our gift to the world.

Begin your journey of mindfulness with guided wellness sessions via SecondMedic’s Holistic Health Program ? https://www.secondmedic.com

 

Real Data, Surveys & Links

  • AIIMS Delhi (2023): Meditation reduces stress and BP in hypertensive adults.
    aiims.edu
     

  • NIMHANS Report (2024): Mindfulness meditation improves mood stability in seniors.
    nimhans.ac.in
     

  • Harvard Medical School (2022): Long-term meditation changes brain structure.
    health.harvard.edu
     

  • Ministry of AYUSH: Promotion of Yoga & Meditation through National Health Mission.
    ayush.gov.in
     

Art of Living / Isha Foundation Programs: Modern meditation initiatives from India.
artofliving.org | isha.sadhguru.org

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