Category: Lifestyle
By: Jamie Carter
Updated: May 26, 2020
Originally Published: May 26, 2020
In a world where many turn to “Dr. Google” for health advice, it’s not surprising that during a pandemic, online searches for COVID-19 symptoms surged dramatically. Researchers have found this data valuable for tracking new symptoms among those infected. Fortunately, as the availability of antibody tests has increased, individuals who once relied on the internet to gauge their health now have a chance to confirm whether they had contracted the virus in the past.
I was among those curious individuals. In late February, I experienced the worst illness of my life. I went to bed on a Monday night and woke up a few hours later with severe body aches, chills, a sore throat, a swollen eye, and a relentless cough. My husband had to go to work the next morning, leaving me to manage our two preschoolers and two toddlers while feeling miserable. Climbing the stairs to fetch my twins felt like an insurmountable task, and by night, my fever peaked at 104 degrees. Despite knowing it was unwise, I took multiple scalding baths that evening, desperately trying to find warmth.
When I still felt unwell the following day, I visited a local clinic, where they discovered my oxygen levels were alarmingly low. Even though I was sweating rather than cold, I had a fever of 102 degrees. I was diagnosed with influenza B and given several prescriptions, but my recovery was slower than anticipated. Despite convincing myself it was just a severe flu, I couldn’t shake the nagging doubt about whether I might also be dealing with COVID-19, especially as cases rose in my state.
I hesitated to request a COVID-19 test, not wanting to be seen as someone seeking unnecessary testing when I already had a confirmed illness. However, a few weeks later, a friend informed me that her clinic was offering COVID-19 antibody tests, which detect specific proteins in the blood that indicate a previous coronavirus infection.
Initially, I was skeptical; I knew there were many different antibody tests, with varying degrees of accuracy. Given that COVID-19 is a novel strain related to other coronaviruses, some tests could potentially detect antibodies from other infections. However, my curiosity led me to research the specific test offered at the clinic, and I ultimately decided to schedule an appointment.
Upon arrival, masked and ready, I was directed to a back entrance where I was ushered into a small room. Fortunately, there were no other patients present. After rolling up my sleeve for what I expected to be a blood draw, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it would only be a finger prick (score!). The test looked similar to a dollar store pregnancy test, and although I didn’t expect results immediately, the nurse informed me I would have them within ten minutes.
I waited in my car for the nurse to relay the news: my COVID-19 antibody test result was negative. Reflexively, I exclaimed “Oh, good!” to which she replied, “Or bad, depending on how you see it.” Her dark humor was spot-on; the truth is, we don’t fully comprehend what either a positive or negative result really signifies at this point.
As the World Health Organization notes, while recovered individuals have antibodies to the virus, some may have low levels of neutralizing antibodies, highlighting that cellular immunity could be vital for recovery. Both false negatives and positives can occur, and experts worry that a false positive might create a dangerous sense of security. Currently, there is no evidence confirming that having COVID-19 antibodies guarantees immunity from future infections.
Regardless of my test result, I am reminded that it’s still crucial to adhere to social distancing measures, wear masks when necessary, and stay informed for the safety of ourselves and those around us. For more insights on related topics, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, I ventured into the world of COVID-19 antibody testing, experienced a mix of skepticism and hope, and ultimately learned that the results, while informative, are not definitive.