In the midst of a global pandemic, many individuals turn to online resources for health-related queries, often relying on “Dr. Google” to interpret their symptoms. It comes as no surprise that searches correlating to COVID-19 symptoms surged dramatically during this period. This surge in online health inquiries has proven invaluable for researchers tracking the evolving symptoms of COVID-19 patients.
With the increasing availability of antibody tests, individuals who once sought answers online can now determine if they had previously contracted the virus, specifically COVID-19. I found myself among these individuals.
My Illness Journey
In late February of this year, I experienced a severe illness unlike any I’d faced before. After going to bed early one Monday, I awoke five hours later with debilitating body aches, cold sweats, a sore throat, a swollen right eye, and an intense cough. As my husband had to leave for work the next morning, I was left to care for our two preschoolers and two toddlers while feeling utterly miserable. The simple task of climbing the stairs to retrieve my young twins forced me to pause and rest before reaching the top. By that evening, my fever soared to 104 degrees. Despite knowing it wasn’t wise, I took multiple hot baths in a desperate attempt to feel warmer.
When my condition failed to improve by the following day, I visited a nearby walk-in clinic. There, I discovered my oxygen levels were alarmingly low. Although I felt clammy rather than cold, my fever remained at 102 degrees. I was diagnosed with influenza B and sent home with a breathing treatment and several prescriptions. However, despite the medication, I was not recovering as quickly as anticipated. While I tried to convince myself that it was merely a severe case of the flu, I couldn’t shake the nagging suspicion that there might be more to my ailment, especially as COVID-19 cases escalated in my state.
The Decision to Test
I was hesitant to be among those who insisted on testing for a serious virus when no local cases had been reported and I had already tested positive for another illness. However, the possibility of being an undocumented COVID-19 case lingered in my mind. Recently, a friend informed me that the medical office she worked for was conducting COVID-19 antibody tests, which could detect specific proteins (antibodies) in the blood resulting from a past coronavirus infection.
Initially, I approached the idea with skepticism. While antibody tests can provide insights into viral immunity within populations, I was aware that the accuracy of these specific COVID-19 antibody tests was still up for debate. Different laboratory tests offer varying reliability, and since COVID-19 is a novel strain related to several other coronaviruses—some of which cause the common cold—there was a risk that these tests might detect antibodies from other coronavirus infections rather than COVID-19 itself.
Despite my doubts, I decided to research the test being offered at the clinic and ultimately scheduled an appointment. Upon arrival—mask in place—I was directed to the back entrance, where I entered a small, private room after ringing the bell. To my relief, the area was empty, and I sat in a freshly sanitized exam chair. Expecting a blood draw, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the test would involve a simple finger prick instead.
The Test Results
The test kit resembled a pink version of a dollar store pregnancy test. I hadn’t anticipated receiving results the same day, but the nurse informed me that I would learn my status within ten minutes. Following her instructions, I waited in my car for the nurse to deliver the news: my COVID-19 antibody test result was negative. I instinctively responded, “Oh, good!” to which the nurse quipped, “Or bad, depending on your perspective.”
Her humor struck a chord, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding antibody tests. We still lack comprehensive knowledge about COVID-19 and its antibodies, making it difficult to interpret positive or negative results accurately. The World Health Organization indicates that individuals who recover from the infection produce antibodies, but some may have low levels of neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that cellular immunity could also play a vital role in recovery.
Both false negatives and positives are concerning, largely due to the potential false sense of security they might create. As of now, studies have not confirmed that having COVID-19 antibodies guarantees immunity against future infections, nor do we know how long these antibodies last. A positive antibody result may lead some to relax their preventive measures, mistakenly believing they are immune. This misconception poses a significant risk, as research has yet to establish solid evidence supporting such a notion.
Ongoing Caution
At this stage of the pandemic, the World Health Organization emphasizes that there is insufficient evidence about the reliability of antibody-mediated immunity, making it unwise to rely on an “immunity passport” or “risk-free certificate.” Regardless of antibody test outcomes, it is crucial to continue practicing social distancing and mask-wearing during essential activities, not only for our health but for the wellbeing of those around us.
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In summary, my experience with the COVID-19 antibody test shed light on the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the virus, emphasizing the importance of ongoing caution and informed decision-making.