Question

With some illnesses, a person may infect others before showing any symptoms:

Answer 1

Yes, with some illnesses, individuals may be infectious and able to spread the disease to others even before they show any symptoms. This is known as presymptomatic or asymptomatic transmission. Here are two key terms related to this phenomenon:

Presymptomatic Transmission:

In presymptomatic transmission, individuals who are infected with a virus but have not yet developed symptoms (are presymptomatic) can still spread the virus to others. They may go on to develop symptoms later, but during the presymptomatic period, they can unknowingly transmit the virus.

Asymptomatic Transmission:

Asymptomatic individuals are infected with a virus but never develop noticeable symptoms. Despite not showing signs of illness, asymptomatic individuals can still spread the virus to others. Asymptomatic transmission can contribute significantly to the spread of certain infectious diseases.

These characteristics have been observed in various respiratory viruses, including the flu and, notably, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 can spread the virus to others before they show symptoms or, in some cases, without ever developing symptoms themselves.

This presymptomatic and asymptomatic transmission underscores the importance of public health measures such as testing, contact tracing, and preventive measures like wearing masks and practicing good hand hygiene. It also highlights the significance of widespread vaccination campaigns to help control the spread of infectious diseases, especially when dealing with viruses that can be transmitted by individuals who may not show symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

An active carrier is an infected individual who can transmit the pathogen to others regardless of whether symptoms are currently present. Precautions need to be taken to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Step-by-step explanation:

With some illnesses, a person may infect others before showing any symptoms. This is known as being an active carrier. An active carrier is an infected individual who can transmit the pathogen to others regardless of whether symptoms are currently present.

For example, with chickenpox, a person can transmit the virus to others even before the appearance of symptoms. It is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as staying home when sick, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding sharing personal items.