About a third of coronavirus infections are spread by someone who had not yet shown symptoms, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate.
The federal agency shared the finding as part of updated COVID-19 guidance to help public health officials respond to the coronavirus.
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The CDC’s “best estimate” determined that 40% of coronavirus transmission occurs before the individual responsible for the spread of the virus presented any symptoms. The agency estimated that 35% of coronavirus patients don’t have symptoms at all.
The virus takes roughly six days to present itself in those who show symptoms.
About 3.5% of coronavirus patients who show symptoms have needed hospitalization. The hospitalization rate varies among age groups, with 1.7% of those under 40 requiring hospitalization and 7.4% of those over the age of 65 requiring hospitalization.
The overall fatality rate of the virus is 0.4%, according to the CDC’s estimate. The fatality rate for people over the age of 65 is 1.3%, while the fatality rate for those under 40 is 0.05%. By comparison, the overall fatality rate of influenza is 0.002%.
The CDC noted that the data in the report was an estimation meant to guide public health officials but not an exact forecast of what the virus would do.
“The scenarios are intended to advance public health preparedness and planning. They are not predictions or estimates of the expected impact of COVID-19,” the agency said.
The CDC has advised that all people who are able to wear a mask safely should do so while in public to help prevent the transmission of the virus.
