5 Reasons You Must Consider Getting a COVID-19 Antibody Test
The spread of the COVID-19 virus or SARS-CoV-2 changed how the world works. Every nation had to call for a temporary pause in their normal course of life to stop the spread of the dreaded virus that causes a potentially fatal disease. Over 22.2 million people have tested positive in the UK for the virus since it arrived in the country in late January 2020.
Testing potential patients was one of the critical measures implemented in the UK to track who caught the virus. The PCR test became the most reliable test to detect active infection.
On the other hand, an antibody test for covid-19 also became an important tool to check if a person had the virus or developed COVID-19 antibodies after getting the vaccine.
Meanwhile, the government also used the antigen test to check if a person is currently infected with the virus.
If you are still contemplating if you must do an antibody testing to know if you have had the virus, these reasons will help you decide to have the test:
1. Loss of Sense of Smell or Taste
The UK government included the loss of smell or taste in the list of COVID-19 symptoms that people must watch out for since May 2020. The health experts based their decision on the information gathered by the researchers working for King’s College London.
If you think you have the virus because of the sudden loss of these senses, you may ask your doctor to get you tested for antibodies in your blood for your peace of mind and safety.
2. Chest Pain
There are plenty of medical reasons why people experience chest pain. But if you feel some discomfort in your chest and other COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested immediately.
Some people may still experience chest pain weeks after getting a positive diagnosis.
3. Flu-Like Symptoms
Flu and COVID-19 have a lot of similar symptoms. Depending on how bodies build immunity, both illnesses may come suddenly or gradually.
Some of the similar symptoms of COVID-19 and flu include body aches, lethargy, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Submit yourself to a PCR test or antibody test to determine which type of illness affected you.
4. Shortness of Breath
The condition called dyspnea is also considered one of the most typical symptoms of COVID-19. If you experience shortness of breath for a significant period, you must ask your GP to have you tested.
5. Exposure to an Infected Person
The COVID-19 virus spreads fast from person to person, especially when someone sneezes, coughs, or opens their mouth to talk.
Even the asymptomatic person can pass around the virus to others. So, request a test from your doctor to know if you caught the virus.
Aside from these reasons, you may also get tested to determine if you have already developed antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. It usually happens after getting the vaccine. Again, look for a pharmacy or GP clinic that offers the test.
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