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

Asymptomatic Carriers Of COVID

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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Top 5 Lab Tests You Can Book from Home in India

Healthcare in India has become more convenient with the rise of at-home lab test bookings. Instead of traveling to diagnostic centers, many people now prefer the comfort of home sample collection. This shift not only saves time but also minimizes exposure to infections in crowded waiting rooms.

Whether it's for preventive health checkups or managing chronic conditions, booking lab tests from home is now easier than ever. Here are the top 5 lab tests you can book from home in India and why they matter.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The Complete Blood Count test is one of the most commonly recommended blood tests by doctors. It gives a snapshot of your overall health by measuring various components of your blood, including:

Red blood cells (RBCs)
White blood cells (WBCs)
Hemoglobin
Hematocrit
Platelets

This test helps detect conditions such as anemia, infections, inflammation, and even certain cancers. If you're feeling weak, experiencing frequent infections, or suffering from fatigue, a CBC test can offer early clues. Most labs, including Thyrocare, offer CBC as part of their health packages for easy home collection.

2. Lipid Profile Test

A lipid profile checks the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. These fats are crucial indicators of heart health. The test measures:

Total cholesterol
LDL (bad cholesterol)
HDL (good cholesterol)
Triglycerides
VLDL and other ratios

High cholesterol often comes without any symptoms but increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and blockages. A lipid profile test from home helps monitor these levels and assess cardiovascular risk early on. Regular screening is essential if you have a family history of heart disease, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or consume high-fat foods.

3. Thyroid Function Test (T3, T4, TSH)

Thyroid disorders are increasingly common, especially among women. An underactive or overactive thyroid can lead to fatigue, weight gain, mood changes, or irregular periods. A thyroid panel tests the following hormones:

T3 (Triiodothyronine)
T4 (Thyroxine)
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)

These levels indicate how well your thyroid gland is functioning. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and help maintain energy levels and metabolic balance. Booking this test from home allows you to manage symptoms discreetly and conveniently.

4. Liver Function Test (LFT)

The liver is responsible for filtering toxins, metabolizing drugs, and aiding digestion. When it’s not working properly, it may not show immediate symptoms. That’s where an LFT comes in. It checks for:

ALT and AST (liver enzymes)
Bilirubin
Albumin and total protein
Alkaline phosphatase

An abnormal result could indicate liver damage, infections like hepatitis, or alcohol-related issues. Whether you’re on medication or consume alcohol frequently, a liver function test is essential. Home sample collection makes it easier to get tested without delay or discomfort.

5. HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Test

For people with diabetes or those at risk of developing it, the HbA1c test is crucial. It measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months, unlike a regular blood sugar test that only gives current readings.

An HbA1c level:

Below 5.7% is considered normal
Between 5.7% and 6.4% suggests prediabetes
6.5% or higher indicates diabetes

This test is important for long-term diabetes management. With at-home testing, patients can monitor their glucose trends more regularly and adjust their treatment plans as needed.

Why Home Testing is the Future of Diagnostics

Booking lab tests from home is not just about convenience. It’s about proactive health management. The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the importance of staying indoors when unwell, and home diagnostics made that possible. These services offer:

Certified technicians for safe sample collection
Digital reports with fast turnaround times
Affordable health checkup packages
Transparent process with easy tracking

Thyrocare and platforms like SecondMedic have played a key role in expanding access to reliable at-home testing across India.

Who Should Book Lab Tests from Home?

Busy professionals who don’t have time for clinic visits
Elderly patients who need regular testing
Women managing pregnancy or hormonal imbalances
Diabetics and heart patients needing frequent checkups
Anyone prioritizing hygiene, safety, and convenience

These services are also ideal for rural and semi-urban areas where healthcare infrastructure may be limited.

Final Thoughts

Modern healthcare is all about accessibility and early detection. Whether you're checking cholesterol levels, managing thyroid conditions, or tracking diabetes, at-home lab tests make it easier than ever. All it takes is a few clicks and a short appointment with a trained sample collector.

You don’t need to delay health monitoring anymore. With trusted providers like Thyrocare offering safe and certified diagnostics, your health check can start at home.

If you’re wondering which tests are essential, start with these top 5 lab tests you can book from home in India and stay a step ahead in your health journey.

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