Asymptomatic COVID Infections – Are You Safe?

Asymptomatic COVID infections – are you safe?

Patients with COVID usually exhibit signs of coughing, fever, and fatigue. This can develop into further respiratory problems including difficulty breathing, pneumonia in both lungs, and in severe cases the need to ventilate a patient in an intensive care setting. But what if you are asymptomatic? Do you need to worry? Surely you get the benefits of immunity without the dangers of life-threatening symptoms.

In our previous blog, we discussed how a study showed 41% of people with COVID were asymptomatic. However, they had the same viral load as their symptomatic counterparts. This paper published in Nature Medicine suggests that even the asymptomatic patients developed signs of lung inflammation without showing any outward symptoms. Could asymptomatic patients still be damaged by COVID? It's not easy to study this subset of patients, as they do not get tested routinely or present to hospital for examination or investigation.

This study looked at 37 individuals in the Wanzhou District who were diagnosed with COVID via swab test but did not show any symptoms before the test or during hospitalization. These patients were found through the extensive contact tracing program set up in Central China. Whilst in hospital 57% showed abnormalities in the lung fields on a CT scan, including the “ground glass” appearance classic for COVID pneumonia. These changes could be due to fluid or blood in the area or due to inflammation caused directly by the infection.

What does this mean for the individual in the long term? This is difficult to say, especially since COVID has only been around for a few months so long term follow up is simply impossible to state accurately. Depending on the size and severity of the inflammation it may resolve spontaneously with no lasting damage, or the inflammation could cause scarring of the lung tissue that only becomes evident several years or decades down the line. It's difficult to tell.

The study also looked at two other factors in these patients. Compared to their symptomatic counterparts, asymptomatic patients were found to shed viral particles for several more days. It is unclear the significance of this, or whether this makes them more infective or prone to transmitting the infection for a longer period of time. It does add support to the theory asymptomatic people should not believe themselves exempt from spreading the infection.

Secondly, the study looked at the prevalence of antibodies present in the patient's blood. These antibodies can be used as a surrogate for immunity. In theory, after infection occurs our body has the ability to rapidly produce these antibodies against the virus in the event of a second infection. This would neutralize the infection before it could develop into a serious disease.

Looking at these antibodies the researchers found antibody levels against the SARS and MERS virus to last over 2 years. However, against SARS-CoV-2, the antibody levels fall within 2-3 months, providing only a short duration of immunity. This is worrisome for individuals and countries hoping to achieve herd immunity or at least immunity to the virus after a mild or asymptomatic infection.

So what should we take away from this? Perhaps an asymptomatic infection is not the perfect scenario. Damage does occur to your lungs, albeit temporary damage. You are still able to spread it to vulnerable people. And your immunity may not last as long as other infections.

Therefore be safe. Maintain social distancing, follow government advice on wearing a mask. And if you can, avoid excessive socializing or close contact with lots of other people. The virus hasn’t gone away, and it is still dangerous.

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Microplastics and Weight Gain: Understanding the Connection

In recent years, microplastics have become a topic of growing concern, with researchers delving into their potential impact on human health. These tiny plastic particles, often less than 5 millimeters in size, are found in everything from oceans to the food we eat. But beyond environmental worries, there’s emerging evidence suggesting that microplastics may also be linked to weight gain. In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between microplastics and weight gain, shedding light on what the research says and what you can do to protect yourself.

What Are Microplastics?

Before diving into the potential health effects, it’s essential to understand what microplastics are. Microplastics are small plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured as tiny beads or fibers. They are pervasive in the environment, found in water, soil, and even the air. Common sources include plastic bottles, bags, cosmetics, and clothing. Due to their small size, microplastics can easily be ingested or inhaled, making them a significant concern for human health.

How Microplastics Enter the Body

Microplastics can enter the human body in various ways:

1. Ingestion: Microplastics are present in many foods and beverages, including seafood, salt, and even bottled water. When we consume these products, microplastics can enter our digestive system.

2. Inhalation: Microplastics are also found in the air we breathe, especially in urban areas. They can settle in the lungs and be absorbed into the bloodstream.

3. Skin Contact: While less common, microplastics can also enter the body through skin contact, especially when using certain cosmetic products that contain microbeads.

The Link Between Microplastics and Weight Gain

Research on the impact of microplastics on human health is still in its early stages, but some studies suggest a potential link between microplastics and weight gain. Here’s how:

1. Endocrine Disruption: Microplastics often contain chemicals like phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), known as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals can interfere with the body's hormonal balance, particularly hormones that regulate metabolism and fat storage. Disruptions in these hormones can lead to increased fat accumulation and weight gain.

2. Inflammation: Ingested microplastics can cause inflammation in the gut. Chronic inflammation is associated with metabolic disorders, including obesity. The body’s response to inflammation can also lead to insulin resistance, which is another factor contributing to weight gain.

3. Gut Microbiota: Microplastics may also affect the gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms living in our digestive system. A healthy gut microbiota is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. However, disruptions caused by microplastics can lead to imbalances that promote weight gain.

4. Chemical Accumulation: Microplastics can act as carriers for other harmful chemicals, like pesticides and heavy metals, which can accumulate in the body. These chemicals can further exacerbate the risk of obesity by disrupting metabolic processes.

What the Research Says

Although research on microplastics is still emerging, there have been some noteworthy findings:

Animal Studies: Studies on animals, particularly rodents, have shown that exposure to microplastics can lead to weight gain and metabolic disorders. These studies suggest that the chemicals in microplastics may alter fat metabolism and hormone regulation.

Human Studies: Human studies are more limited, but some research has indicated that people with higher levels of microplastic exposure may be at an increased risk of obesity and related metabolic conditions. For example, a study found that people who consumed more bottled water (which often contains microplastics) had higher body fat levels.

Ongoing Research: Scientists are continuing to explore the relationship between microplastics and weight gain. As more studies are conducted, we will likely gain a better understanding of how significant this connection is.

How to Reduce Exposure to Microplastics

Given the potential health risks associated with microplastics, it’s wise to take steps to minimize exposure. Here are some practical tips:

1. Limit Plastic Use: Reduce your use of plastic products, especially single-use plastics like bottles, bags, and food containers. Opt for glass, stainless steel, or other non-plastic alternatives whenever possible.

2. Filter Your Water: Consider using a water filter that can remove microplastics. While not all filters are effective, some advanced filtration systems can significantly reduce the amount of microplastics in drinking water.

3. Choose Natural Fibers: When buying clothes, choose natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen instead of synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. Synthetic fibers shed microplastics when washed, contributing to environmental and human exposure.

4. Avoid Microbeads: Be cautious when choosing personal care products like exfoliants or toothpaste. Look for labels that indicate the absence of microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles used in some cosmetics.

5. Eat Fresh: Whenever possible, choose fresh, unprocessed foods. Packaged and processed foods are more likely to contain microplastics, either from the packaging or the manufacturing process.

6. Support Environmental Efforts: Advocate for policies and initiatives aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Supporting organizations that work to clean up the environment and promote sustainable practices can also make a difference.

Conclusion

The potential link between microplastics and weight gain is a growing area of concern in the scientific community. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this connection, the evidence so far suggests that reducing exposure to microplastics could be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight. By making conscious choices in your daily life, you can help minimize your exposure to these tiny yet potentially harmful particles.

As we continue to learn more about the impact of microplastics on health, it’s essential to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones. Remember, small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being.

This blog offers an in-depth look at the connection between microplastics and weight gain, providing practical advice for minimizing exposure. If you're interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying informed about the latest health research, taking steps to reduce your exposure to microplastics is a wise choice.