One-in-five infected with virus showed no symptoms

A new antibody testing study the first of its kind in the UK has found that one in five people who have been infected with coronavirus did not show any symptoms of Covid-19 while more than a quarter who fell ill did not have the three core signs of the disease.

New study shows that one-in-five people infected with virus showed no symptoms

One in five people in London and the South East who have had coronavirus did not show any symptoms, the new study suggests.It also found that more than a quarter (27%) of people who did fall ill did not display the three main signs of Covid-19 - persistent cough, fever and loss of smell (anosmia).Researchers said this is the first UK-based pre-print study linking detailed ongoing symptom collection data with antibody testing, and highlights the likely extent of Covid-19 infection across the region.Study lead and consultant geriatrician from King's College London, Dr Claire Steves, said: "Our findings highlight the fact that a significant proportion of people who get infected with coronavirus don't have any obvious symptoms but may still pass the disease on to others."It's essential that we all take steps to protect the health of everyone by sticking to social distancing guidelines, wearing face coverings in public, and following good hand hygiene practices."Testing is much more available now. So, if you have symptoms you can't explain - get a swab or saliva test, as that way you will know to protect yourself and the people around you."

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