A few weeks prior to the COVID-19 pandemic’s surge in my New York City neighborhood, my young son fell ill. He initially presented with a runny nose, followed by a fluctuating fever between 101 and 102 degrees. Though it didn’t seem alarming at first, he soon lost his appetite entirely. “Nothing tastes good!” he lamented.
After a couple of nights, he coughed directly in my face, and before long, I found myself feeling unwell. It started with cold-like symptoms, but by the second night, I had a fever of 102. I felt utterly miserable. I remember standing by the fridge, contemplating food, only to feel nauseated instead.
Within days, my fever dropped, but my appetite remained off-kilter. I could relate to my son; I completely lost my sense of taste and smell. I attempted to eat, but everything tasted like absolutely nothing. It was strange and incredibly frustrating since I wasn’t congested at all. I mentioned to my husband that I had never experienced anything like that before.
As the pandemic escalated, sirens became a constant background noise in my neighborhood. Many acquaintances tested positive for the virus, and some lost loved ones. It was a distressing time. When reports emerged that the loss of taste and smell was a common symptom of COVID-19, my curiosity piqued. I wondered if I had contracted the virus in the days leading up to the outbreak. If so, it seemed I had a mild case, but I was eager to find out if I had any immunity or could donate plasma to assist others.
Antibody testing became a hot topic. Initially, there was talk of positive antibody tests being a ticket back to normalcy. However, it was later revealed that the tests might not be as reliable as hoped, leading to skepticism about their significance. This uncertainty, combined with my anxiety about visiting a medical facility, has kept me from getting tested. Yet my curiosity about whether I had the virus remains.
To address some of my pressing questions about antibody testing, I consulted Dr. Alex Thompson, an Internal Medicine Specialist based in New York. Here’s what he had to say.
What are the risks of visiting an urgent care center for testing?
Dr. Thompson emphasized that while the absence of a vaccine poses risks, urgent care centers are implementing safety measures, such as social distancing and separating COVID-19 patients from others. He reassured me that wearing a mask and maintaining distance from others significantly reduces the risk of exposure.
What does a positive COVID antibody test indicate?
“A positive test suggests that you have fought off the virus, meaning your body has some information about it,” Dr. Thompson explained. However, it does not necessarily mean you are free of the virus or that you cannot spread it. Regarding immunity, it’s still unclear whether having antibodies guarantees protection from future infections.
Can I contract COVID-19 again if I have antibodies?
Dr. Thompson noted that while having antibodies might lower the severity of a second infection, definitive data on immunity duration is still lacking. Research is ongoing about the effectiveness of plasma treatments from recovered individuals.
How long after illness should I wait to get tested?
Antibodies develop approximately 1-3 weeks after symptoms appear. “If you have an active COVID-19 infection, wait at least eight or nine days before getting tested,” he advised. If you weren’t diagnosed but suspect you were sick months ago, you can request an antibody test.
If I test positive for antibodies, can I disregard safety measures?
Dr. Thompson’s response was a firm no. “Testing positive for antibodies does not exempt you from social distancing,” he asserted. The reason is that you may still be a carrier or might not know your current health status.
Are some antibody tests more reliable than others?
Yes, accuracy is crucial in controlling the pandemic. Dr. Thompson highlighted that the CDC and FDA have issued guidelines to ensure that only reliable tests are used, emphasizing the importance of seeking FDA-approved tests.
I remain uncertain about whether I should pursue an antibody test, especially considering that the results may not provide the clarity I seek. Although I’m hesitant to venture out, my curiosity may push me toward testing if a safe option arises, such as at-home testing.
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Summary:
This article discusses personal experiences with COVID-19 symptoms and the curiosity surrounding antibody testing. It addresses expert opinions on the risks of testing, the meaning of positive results, and the importance of safety precautions regardless of antibody status.