Understanding silent transmission and why you always need a need a mask

Silent transmission refers a spread of the virus from an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic person. The former referring to a person who carries the virus, though they never become ill. A pre-symptomatic person is a person who will eventually develop symptoms but is able to spread the virus to others before their symptoms develop (before they even know they are ill). When an infected person does not display symptoms, they may relax on upholding safety regulations, such as the wearing of masks and social distancing. Although the wearing of a mask will not prevent someone from getting sick, it can prevent the spread of the disease by those infected by the virus. According to the National Academy of Science, more than half of COVID-19 transmissions are driven by people who show no symptoms. A medical paper by Burton Singer, a professor at Uf's College of Liberal Arts and Science Department of Mathematics, stated that an estimated 48%-47% of COVID-19 cases come from people in the presymptomatic stage, while 3.4%-6.6% comes from those who will never develop symptoms(asymptomatic). The researchers concluded that preventative measures must go beyond test and trace policy. They assert that prevention will depend on the co-operation of citizens regarding following the COVID-19 safety regulations and quarantine rules. The paper drives home the value of wearing a mask when around others-even if the wearer does not feel ill. Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the wearer coughs, sneezes, talks or raises their voice. This is called source control. Dr. Subinoy Das, chief medical officer of Tivic Health and the chief executive officer of the U.S. Institute of Advanced Sinus Care and Research states that "masks are a likely reason why the virus has been better controlled in China, South Korea, Japan, and other countries". COVID-19 spreads mainly among people about six feet apart, making masks particularly important in setting where social distancing is difficult to maintain (for example, in food processing facilities). Clinical and laboratory studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth, with N95 masks filtering smaller particles than disposable masks. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the use of cloth masks-including homemade masks-not hospital grade surgical masks and microparticle filtering N95 masks. It is recommended to reserve N95 masks for medical professionals who must come into contact with those with COVID-19. However, masks should not be worn by children younger than 2 years old, or anyone who has trouble breathing, anyone unconscious, or incapacitated. Because masks help keep respitory droplets contained and from reaching other people making, they are not only important for you but rather for society as a whole.