HEALTH: Is There a Way to Know If You’ve Never Had COVID?

miércoles, 13 de abril de 2022

Is There a Way to Know If You’ve Never Had COVID?

By Stephanie Cornwell, Editorial Assistant

If I never tested positive for COVID—and never had any symptoms of the virus—can an antibody test prove that I've had it?

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Understanding Antibody Testing

The severity and widespread nature of COVID makes it seem like we've all been infected at some point. Though I've never been sick, I assume that I had it and was asymptomatic. But that's not necessarily true.

The CDC estimates that slightly more than half of people in the U.S. have never been infected with COVID. Without a positive test result, there is no guarantee that you had COVID.

Serology tests, or antibody tests, can help confirm a past COVID diagnosis and pinpoint the timing of infection based on the number of antibodies found.

The timing of the test matters; you're more likely to find antibodies if you test within three to four weeks after symptoms appear. The longer a person lives post-infection, the fewer antibodies they'll have. Antibodies from a COVID infection appear to remain in the body for eight months to a year after infection.

Know More

While some at-home serology tests do exist, they can be difficult to read, and not everyone is a good candidate. Consult a healthcare provider if you're interested in a serology test.

Feel Better

Serology tests can differentiate between antibodies from the vaccine versus infection-induced antibodies.

How to Course Correct After 2 Years of School Closures

The CDC published a series of studies demonstrating how pandemic school closures negatively affected the mental health of teenagers. Feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression led to disruptions in school performance, increases in financial insecurity, and substance use. Experts say support for at-risk youth, including mental health services, must be a priority for teachers and caregivers.

Eating Plant-Based Omega-3s May Support Heart Health

Almost half of all Americans have heart disease. While some risk factors are out of your control, certain lifestyle choices, such as the food you eat, can have a profound effect on your heart health. A new study shows that plant-based omega-3 fatty acids—not just fish typically associated with omega-3s—may reduce the risk of heart disease and fatal coronary heart disease. Foods like walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and canola oil are all good sources of plant-based healthy fats.

In an interview with Verywell, Abrar Naely, MA, RDN, LD, shares tips for staying hydrated.

If you drink a bunch of water, usually you will have to urinate frequently afterward, and then you're not keeping yourself hydrated. If you sip slowly, you're getting hydrated more.