Can I have coronavirus without any symptoms? How to protect yourself and others from contracting it

The UK has enforced a strict lockdown in a bid to contain the spread of the highly contagious coronavirus.

The virus is thought to spread from human to human transmission, via small droplets from the nose or mouth when someone coughs, sneezes or exhales.

These droplets can be picked up from objects or surfaces, when people touch their eyes, nose or mouth, or if the droplets are breathed in, the World Health Organisation (WHO) explains.

Health experts have warned those who experience symptoms of the virus, including a new or dry cough, or a high temperature, to self-isolate for two weeks, so as not to spread the infection further.

But what about those who don’t experience any symptoms at all?

Can coronavirus be asymptomatic?

While people have been urged to isolate from others if they suffer any symptoms of coronavirus, it is possible that some can have the virus without displaying any of the key signs.

If you don’t show any symptoms, this is known as being asymptomatic.

The most common symptoms include a fever, dry cough and tiredness, while some may also experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat, or diarrhoea.

These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually, according to the WHO.

However, some people can become infected and not develop any symptoms - or feel unwell.

Around one in six people who contract the virus become seriously ill and develop difficulty breathing, and about 80 per cent recover without needing any special treatment.

Why do people who are asymptomatic pose a risk?

People who are asymptomatic pose a risk of spreading the virus to others, as they are unaware they need to self-isolate.

As such, they could be passing the virus on to others without knowing.

It is possible that a large number of people could already have coronavirus despite not showing any symptoms, but as yet it is impossible to tell.