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Approximately 20% of asymptomatic people who test positive for COVID-19 will remain symptom-free over time, according to two studies published September 22 in different journals. The researchers propose, therefore, that most asymptomatic patients should be considered presymptomatic.
“Only a minority of people with SARS-CoV-2 have a truly asymptomatic infection. Most patients with SARS-CoV-2 who are asymptomatic at the time of testing will go on to develop symptoms,” study author Nicola Low, MD, head of the Research Group at the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine at the University of Bern in Switzerland, told Medscape Medical News.
The result also suggests expanded testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection is warranted, especially among those at higher risk, and supports use of control measures including masks, physical distancing, and isolation.
“People with asymptomatic infection are infectious. All should be isolated and