Why is there a difference in the proportion of asymptomatic infected people in different regions？ Experts dispel doubts

Why is there a difference in the proportion of asymptomatic infected people in different regions?

Zhu Huachen, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong:I think it actually has something to do with several aspects. First of all, there are hundreds of different varieties in Omicron, some of which are slightly stronger, some of which are milder, and everyone’s immune level is different, which will be different. For example, in some areas, the vaccination level is very high, and there have been many rounds of epidemics before. The immunity of the population is very high, and there will be more asymptomatic infected people.

In addition, in our country, all people have been tested before, and nucleic acid is a very sensitive detection method, so many people have been detected by nucleic acid detection before they have time to develop symptoms, which basically belongs to early detection, so they will show a high proportion of asymptomatic infection, much higher than self-detection and reporting.

In fact, retrospective research data show that even in Wuhan in 2020, there are many asymptomatic or mild infected people whose serum antibodies are positive, and they have been exposed or even infected. So in most situations, asymptomatic infection will be underestimated.

Do asymptomatic infected people need treatment? What are the precautions?

Zhu Huachen, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong:Since it is asymptomatic, it means that there is no disease. At this stage, we don’t think it is necessary to treat it, because the treatment must be aimed at the disease.

In addition, COVID-19 does not have a very good specific medicine, and no medicine will disappear as soon as it is eaten, so there is no need to toss yourself at this time. We say that medicine is toxic in three parts, and it is actually not good to take medicine indiscriminately. Take care of yourself in isolation at home and don’t pass it on to others.

In the face of the virus, some people are not infected and some people are asymptomatic. Why do they show such differences?

Zhu Huachen, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong:There will be great differences in different periods, different strains and different populations.

In fact, there are many differences between people. Some people are genetically susceptible, while others are slightly more resistant, and their physical conditions and immune status are different. Even the same person, with different physical conditions at different times, has different sensitivity to the virus.

Because human understanding of coronavirus is still relatively one-sided, there are many things that we are not very clear about, such as what kind of people will be more vulnerable. Generally speaking, people who have no immune protection against coronavirus and other basic diseases will be relatively vulnerable to infection.