Thread by @MonicaGandhi9

Asymptomatic infection with #COVID19 is a problem since it can be spread when you are well so masks prevent that. The reason asymptomatic infection is a good thing is that not having symptoms and not getting sick is good!
washingtonpost.com/health/2020/08…

So the ? becomes how do we increase the rate of asymptomatic infection with #COVID19 or how do we decrease its morbidity? One way is to wear masks which likely reduces viral #inoculum. A 2nd way is having cross-reactive T-cells from other coronaviruses (though can't control that)

A 3rd way may be being vaccinated for other infections as suggested by Dr. Andrew Badley. In my opinion, reducing morbidity is just as important than tracking cases as high contagious potential of this virus may mean contact tracing not possible. So focus on reducing inoculum.

And more & more asymptomatic infection with immunity would be amazing! Remember not to get too hung up on antibodies. See this fascinating preprint on interfamilial exposure to SARS-CoV-2 inducing cellular immunity without antibodies, all had mild disease! medrxiv.org/content/10.110…

So, to sum up this thread: asymptomatic infection can be good if induces immunity; drive it up as we don't want severe disease; reducing #inocula is one way (masks); higher-population level immunity will slow #COVID19 spread; fear & prevent illness (don't fear cases).

So, if I was in charge of this pandemic (which I am not!), would immediately put #NationalMaskMandate in place, enforce it; open essential work places (including schools) with safety precautions we have learned about this virus since March; have optimism that this will work!