As Many as 50 Percent of People with COVID-19 Aren

As Many as 50 Percent of People with COVID-19 Aren’t Aware They Have the Virus

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  • Experts say face masks are even more important now because of the number of asymptomatic carriers who are in public.
  • Researchers say 25 percent to 50 percent of people with COVID-19 are unaware they have the virus.
  • This allows the novel coronavirus to spread more rapidly throughout a community.
  • Experts say these carriers without symptoms make it even more important for people to wear face masks in public.

All data and statistics are based on publicly available data at the time of publication. Some information may be out of date. Visit our coronavirus hub and follow our live updates page for the most recent information on the COVID-19 outbreak.

There may be a lot of people walking around who have COVID-19 but have no idea they are spreading the virus.

The first word of this possibility came in early April from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director, Dr. Robert Redfield, in an interview with National Public Radio affiliate WABE.

“One of the [pieces of] information that we have confirmed now is that a significant number of individuals that are infected actually remain asymptomatic. That may be as many as 25 percent,” Redfield said.

Then a few days later, researchers in Iceland reported that 50 percent of their novel coronavirus cases who tested positive had no symptoms. The testing had been conducted by deCODE, a subsidiary of the U.S. Biotech company Amgen.

In another new reportTrusted Source, the CDC stated that researchers in Singapore identified seven clusters of cases in which presymptomatic transmission is the most likely explanation for the occurrence of secondary cases.

That report was backed up by a studyTrusted Source published in mid-April that concluded that people with no symptoms are the source of 44 percent of diagnosed COVID-19 cases.

In addition, a studyTrusted Source published about the same time reported that people might be most contagious during the period before they have symptoms.

Then, in late April, it was reported that the first known person to die from COVID-19 in the United States before she died of a heart attack on February 6 at her home in Northern California

“Of those of us that get symptomatic, it appears that we’re shedding significant virus in our oropharyngeal compartment, probably up to 48 hours before we show symptoms,” Redfield said. “This helps explain how rapidly this virus continues to spread across the country because we have asymptomatic transmitters.”

How transmission works
“It isn’t a strange idea with respiratory viruses that such an inadvertent transmission could take place,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.

“It’s to the virus’ benefit because if you have seemingly healthy people moving around spreading the virus, that maximizes the transmission,” he told Healthline. “Once you get sick, you tend to restrict your encounters with others.”

To demonstrate how fast the virus transmission works among people who may be unwittingly infecting others, Dr. James Hildreth, president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College and an infectious disease expert, illustrated the spread in a public service announcement.

He said people who study virus spread assign viruses’ basic reproductive spread numbers.

“One that comes to mind is measles. Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we’ve ever known and its number is somewhere between 12 and 18,” Hildreth told Healthline.

“By comparison, the COVID-19 virus, it’s basic reproductive number appears to be about 4. What that means is that each person who is infected by the virus has the potential to spread it to four other persons in a susceptible population,” he explained.

“If you do the math, the number of people infected would double every 6 days or so. But the actual data in some parts of the country is the virus is doubling every 3 days,” Hildreth added.

He noted that this novel coronavirus that began in December in a market in Wuhan, China, has infected 1.4 million people in 4 months.

“When you’re dealing with a virus like that, everything we can do to break the chain of transmission is exceedingly important because there are people who are spreading the virus and are not aware of it,” he said.

This makes masks more important
After first telling the public there was no need for anyone to wear a mask unless you were sick or coughing, the CDC did an about-face in early April.

Now, the agency is recommending people wear a face covering if they go to a public place.

They’ve posted instructionsTrusted Source on how to properly wear a cloth mask.

But does a cloth mask work?

“It actually works in both directions,” said Schaffner. “But we’re more sure that masks inhibit the spread out rather than the acquisition in.”

Why the CDC reversal?
“Two reasons. One is very practical. Early on, they didn’t want there to be a run on masks and respirators by the general public, siphoning them off from the healthcare environment. That was a very real concern,” Schaffner said.

“The second thing is the appreciation of presymptomatic transmission has become more evident over time,” he added. “It takes a little bit of time for those discussions to go on and for everyone to agree to ask the American public to do something that is culturally alien.”

And Schaffner believes the masks have a psychological benefit at a time when very little seems in our control.

“Putting on a mask is something I can do to help protect me and it will help protect my family. It makes people feel good to do something,” he said. “And when you see others wearing a mask, it builds a sense of community.”


Contributor: Roz Plater-Healthline.com

Self-Care Recipes Using Items from Your Pantry

Self-Care Recipes Using Items from Your Pantry

I’m writing to you during Week 2 of my Co-Vid quarantine. I don’t know about you but I’m not quite feeling quite myself. Rather than wallow or get stressed out, let’s do something constructive. It’s time for a Pantry Raid! I’ve given you three self-care recipes using items from your pantry.

I can see very clearly the image of a picture I saw once of a woman jumping headfirst into a glass of wine. And… I imagine that most of us want to recreate our own version of that same picture right about now.
Throw into the confusion of these times, two boys, ages 5 and 2 who are a whirlwind of nonstop energy and what appears to be slightly stubborn defiance disorders. They are home now with me all-the-time. I love them but… I know you feel my pain and I yours.


So, what do we do about this?


I love talking to my clients about the importance of self-care. Let’s be honest, right now we have absolutely no excuse not to commit to daily self-care. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes, while one child is napping (little blessings) and the other gets some TV time. It’s a chance to feel a little bit more whole, a smidge more like yourself and a lot more hopeful.
There are so many ways to enjoy self-care that are quick, easy and can be done in the comfort of home. You’ll find all you need in your pantry. Whether you choose a face mask to liven up your skin, perform facial pressure point self-massage or create a homemade hair mask, it’s all part of taking care of yourself. Maybe its self-exploration, being your own person (not just mommy) or simply to feel better so you can be the best you for your family.
Here are a few of my favorite homemade recipes that include items that I
know you already have in your well-stocked pantry! No TP necessary.


Recipe 1: Anti-Inflammatory Honey Spice Mask
Honey is pretty spectacular. It’s antimicrobial, it’s a humectant, and it’s delicious. Bet you have some in your pantry! This involves adding a little cinnamon and nutmeg to act as anti-inflammatories and also make the entire concoction smell like a hot toddy…or maybe some other, un-boozy thing? I dunno.
Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
How to:
Add honey to a small bowl. Extra points if you use raw Manuka honey, which can even be classified as a medical-grade antimicrobial agent.
Add cinnamon and nutmeg.
Give it a good stir
Scoop the mix and pat it on your face
Wait 15 minutes.
Wash with warm water so the honey dissolves and you’re done

Recipe 2: Exfoliating Yogurt Lemon Mask
Yogurt has lactic acid and hydrating lipids, and lemon has citric acid. Put ’em together and you have a gentle exfoliator that moisturizes, too. OK, so with this recipe you’ll find the ingredients in your fridge and not the pantry. Unless that’s where you keep your lemons.
Ingredients

  • 1 cup full fat, unsweetened yogurt
  • 1/2 lemon-juiced
How to:
Mix yogurt and lemon together in a small bowl
Give it a good stir
Scoop the mix and pat it on your face
Wait for 10- 15 minutes. Note: Depending on how much exfoliation you want (and how long you can stand to lie around with yogurt on your face), you can leave it on for 10-15 min.
I know you don’t know what day it is anymore but let’s assume it’s Sunday Spa Day! Your bathroom awaits. Let’s not forget our parched locks from the winter. Obviously, I’m a little skin biased but when hair is referenced as your “ultimate accessory,” I’m not going to completely argue that.

Recipe 3: Coconut Oil, Avocado & Honey Hair Mask
Coconut oil is truly a magical ingredient for your hair. It keeps it soft and prevents hair breakage because of its high moisture retaining capabilities. Coconut Oil is loaded with fatty acids, it penetrates the hair more deeply than regular conditioners. The avocado in this offers nearly 20 different vitamins and minerals to add shine, moisturize and even help protect your hair against heat and everyday wear. Eggs are rich in Vitamins A, D, and E, proteins and fatty acids, which help retain the luster and shine in your hair. As your hair is mostly made of protein, this extra boost to the hair leaves it feeling healthy and restored.
Ingredients

  • 1 avocado
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 TBS honey
  • 1 TBS coconut oil
How to:
1. Mash avocado and put the mash in a mixing bowl.
2. Add eggs, honey, and oil to the avocado mixture and mix well.
3. Apply to your hair from the ends to the roots. Bonus if you have a shower cap to put on.
4. Let sit for 15-20 minutes, rinse.


Prepare for your own hair commercial!

Contributor: Biba Vernon-livinghealthylist.com

How to Master the Art of Flaneuring Around Your Neighborhood

How to Master the Art of Flaneuring Around Your Neighborhood

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Turn a walk on your street into a mini-vacation, thanks to these tips.

Every single day, I take a trip through my neighborhood at a different time. Sometimes, that means giving myself 30 minutes and jogging a new, unplanned route to a nearby park, focusing only on the smells of the city around me and the sounds of my footfall. Other days, I slow it way down and send my attention outward to watch my neighbors interact with each other from an acceptable social distance. I notice the ring of their laughter, the beginning of an argument, or how their voices change when they spot a passing dog.

In moments like this, when we’re all looking inward to find peace during a global health pandemic, finding beauty and community from a safe social distance has never been more important. And you can still feed your need for experiencing the new from the comfort of your neighborhood, no plane ride required. You don’t have to give up your sense of adventure—you just have to be a little more observant.

Last spring, I spent a few months writing a book called The Art of Flaneuring. For the uninitiated, a flaneur describes someone who practices the act of wandering with intention. There’s no route in mind, but the flaneur is constantly ready to soak in their surroundings. Originally a French term from the 19th century, it was used to describe men who would go on long walks to gather observations for party talk, essays, poetry, and other intellectual ramblings. (Women who wandered were unfortunately called other names.) If you’re hunting for more inspiration, look to Henry David Thoreau’s Walden or Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac. Both books are attempts by people to immortalize natural environments dear to them within their pages: Thoreau his watery pond; Leopold the family of plants and animals thriving on his farm.

The idea of wandering with this kind of intention is simple—on paper: Step outside with an open mind and wide eyes. In practice, trying to take in new observations from an incredibly familiar environment is tougher than it seems. Here’s how I make the most of my neighborhood wandering sessions:

Don’t get caught up planning a route.
The whole point of wandering is to avoid wrapping yourself up in a map or a route. When you’re too focused on getting from Point A to Point B, you miss all of the small moments you’re supposed to be enjoying. Bring a phone for safety, but leave it in your pocket, even when you feel yourself getting a tad lost. Give your brain a few minutes to orient itself before you resort to Google Maps.

Play a flaneuring game.
If you find it too tough to step outside without a plan on where you’re going (no shame!), establish some loose guidelines. As I was researching for The Art of Flaneuring, one of my sources shared the idea of flaneuring games with me. Here’s one: Every time you see someone wearing a red shirt or jacket, take a right turn. The very nature of this task requires you to look a little closer at your surroundings.

Leave your music at home.
 When you think about the places most familiar to you, do the sounds of these spaces come rushing forward? Probably not. Adding a layer of sound to your memory of the neighborhood is a great challenge for your next walk. The easiest way to block everything else out, in my experience, is to find a bench to sit on and close your eyes. Taking the visual distractions out of the picture will immediately sharpen your other senses.

Keep a journal.
 Make your wandering journal unconventional. Fill it with single words, observations, or doodles. Don’t restrict yourself to full sentences—or do, if you find yourself searching for a bit of guidance to begin. I’ll write down a single interaction, scene, or string of words to represent the most memorable moment of my walk. Here’s an example: “Three boys took turns practicing their free throw shots, one after another. From the fence, they shared encouragement and form adjustments—not the kind of sideline talk you’d expect from three teenagers.”

This may sound like just another way to keep yourself occupied without straying too far. But think of your neighborhood like an onion: full and complete, with tons of layers. And getting to know those layers will give you a whole new appreciation for the place you call home.


Contributor: Erika Owen-Afar.com