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In reply to the discussion: Asymptomatic spread of coronavirus is 'very rare,' WHO says [View all]FakeNoose
(32,634 posts)The word "asymptomatic" isn't being used correctly in this case. They should be saying "presymptomatic," and yes it has been a major cause for the rapid spread of the virus.
We learned even before the pandemic became serious that the incubation period for the virus is up to 2 weeks, in which case the person could be exposed and carrying the virus while not showing symptoms yet. The symptoms do show up eventually and patient is forced to deal with the fact they have this virus. Meanwhile they've been going around exposing others (including their own families) to the same illness unknowingly.
THAT was why we had to start wearing facemasks, practice social distancing, frequent hand-washing, etc. With the lockdown we all acted as if everyone else might be carrying the virus, and we all had to maintain distance to keep our loved ones safe. Those who actually were carrying the virus did start showing symptoms soon enough. There are no silent carriers, as the word "asymptomatic" might suggest.