In the midst of a global pandemic, many individuals turn to “Dr. Google” to evaluate their health symptoms, leading to a significant increase in online searches related to COVID-19. This trend has proven invaluable for researchers tracking the evolving symptoms associated with the virus. With the growing availability of antibody tests, those who previously relied on online information to assess their health can now discover if they had been infected with COVID-19, perhaps without even realizing it.
I found myself in this situation recently. Back in late February, I experienced a level of illness I had never encountered before. After going to bed early one night, I woke up five hours later feeling miserable—my body ached, I had the chills, a sore throat, a red, swollen eye, and a relentless cough. With my husband unable to stay home from work the next day, I had to manage looking after our preschoolers and toddlers while feeling awful. Climbing the stairs to check on my two-year-old twins was exhausting, forcing me to take breaks just to make it halfway up.
As the night progressed, my temperature soared to 104 degrees. I resorted to taking several hot baths to cope with my fever, even though I knew it wasn’t a wise decision.
The following day, when my condition hadn’t improved, I visited a nearby walk-in clinic. My oxygen levels were alarmingly low, and despite feeling warm rather than cold, I still had a fever of 102. After being diagnosed with influenza B and given several prescriptions, I left the clinic feeling uncertain. Although the symptoms felt flu-like, as COVID-19 cases continued to rise in my state, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something more might be happening.
I hesitated to request a COVID-19 test, not wanting to seem overly dramatic, especially with limited testing options in my area. Yet, I couldn’t help but wonder if I was among the many undiagnosed cases in the country. A few weeks later, a friend informed me that her clinic was offering COVID-19 antibody tests, which could detect antibodies in the blood indicating a past infection.
Initially, I was doubtful. While antibody tests can help measure viral immunity within populations, the accuracy of these tests has been called into question. With several variations of the tests available, I worried that they might detect antibodies from other coronaviruses, not specifically COVID-19. Given the timing of my illness, I figured it was unlikely I would test positive for the antibodies, but curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to research the specific test being offered before making an appointment.
Upon arrival at the clinic, I donned a mask and was guided to a private room after ringing a bell. I was relieved to find no other patients in the vicinity. As I prepared for what I assumed would be a conventional blood draw, I was pleasantly surprised to learn it would be a finger prick instead. The test device resembled a pregnancy test you might find at a dollar store—simple and straightforward. To my astonishment, the nurse informed me I would receive my results within ten minutes.
I waited in my car for the nurse to share the outcome: my antibody test was negative. My automatic response was, “Oh, good!” which prompted her to quip, “Or bad, depending on how you look at it.” Her dark humor struck a chord, as the implications of either result remain unclear. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that while those who recover from COVID-19 develop antibodies, the levels of these antibodies can vary significantly.
Both false negative and false positive results are concerning, especially since a positive result might falsely reassure someone about their immunity. Current research shows no definitive evidence that having antibodies guarantees protection against reinfection or how long such antibodies last. The WHO warns against assuming immunity based solely on these tests, emphasizing the importance of continued preventive measures.
In light of my experience, it’s crucial to maintain social distancing and wear masks during essential activities, not only for personal safety but also to protect those around us. For more insights on related topics, you can read about it here.
In summary, my antibody testing experience highlighted the complexities surrounding COVID-19 and the tests designed to measure antibodies. While I didn’t have the results I expected, the journey reinforced the importance of vigilance and care for the health of myself and others.