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

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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How Walking Daily Affects Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the "silent killer" because it can lead to serious problems like heart attacks and strokes—without any warning signs. But here’s some good news: one of the easiest ways to lower your blood pressure naturally doesn’t cost a thing. It’s simply walking.

In this blog, we’ll explore how walking daily affects your blood pressure, why it works, how much to do, and simple ways to include it in your daily routine.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Your blood pressure (BP) is the force your blood exerts against your artery walls. It’s measured in two numbers:

Systolic (upper number) – pressure when your heart beats
Diastolic (lower number) – pressure when your heart rests

A normal BP is around 120/80 mmHg. Higher than this, especially long-term, increases your risk of heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke.

Why Walking Works

Regular walking is a form of aerobic exercise, which gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. This helps:

Improve the elasticity of blood vessels
Reduce artery stiffness
Promote better circulation
Lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels
Reduce body fat, especially around the abdomen

As a result, walking can naturally reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over time.

What Does Science Say?

Numerous studies show walking can lower blood pressure:

A study published in Hypertension journal found that brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can reduce systolic BP by 5–10 mmHg.
Another meta-analysis concluded that walking consistently for 3 months had a significant impact on lowering BP in people with pre-hypertension and stage 1 hypertension.

How Much Should You Walk?

The sweet spot is:

30 minutes of brisk walking
At least 5 days a week
If possible, aim for 10,000 steps per day

Even short bouts—like 10 minutes three times a day—are beneficial if you’re just starting out.

Additional Health Benefits of Walking

Walking daily doesn’t just help blood pressure; it:

Boosts heart and lung capacity
Reduces stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline)
Improves mood and sleep
Helps manage weight
Increases insulin sensitivity
Strengthens bones and muscles

All these factors play a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Walking Reduces Stress = Lower BP

Chronic stress raises blood pressure. Walking helps:

Lower stress hormone levels
Release endorphins (feel-good chemicals)
Calm your nervous system

A simple 15-minute walk in nature can do wonders for your mind and body.

How to Make Walking a Habit

Here are easy tips to stay consistent:

Schedule it like a meeting – same time each day
Listen to music or podcasts – make it enjoyable
Walk with a friend – keeps you accountable
Break it up – 10 mins morning, 10 mins lunch, 10 mins evening
Track your steps – use a smartwatch or phone app
Take the stairs or walk short errands – it all adds up

What to Watch For

While walking is safe, take precautions if:

You have heart problems
You experience dizziness or chest pain
You’re over 60 and new to exercise

In such cases, consult your doctor before starting.

Lab Tests You Can Book via SecondMedic

Want to keep an eye on your blood pressure and related risk factors? These tests help:

Complete Lipid Profile – for cholesterol
Blood Pressure Monitoring (Ambulatory BP)
HbA1c or Fasting Blood Sugar – if you have diabetes
Kidney Function Test (KFT)
Electrolyte Panel

You can book these online via SecondMedic.com, with home sample collection from labs like Thyrocare.

Conclusion

Walking is a powerful yet gentle way to control blood pressure naturally. Whether you're already on medication or just starting your BP journey, walking can reduce risk, improve energy, and support your overall well-being.

Now that you know how walking daily affects your blood pressure, put on your walking shoes and take that first step—literally!

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