Did you not notice that you were infected with COVID?

It seems like a day hasn’t passed without learning that someone in our family, friends, or insider of a colleague is infected with COVID. When asked how sick our acquaintances are, the answers range from “they are really scammers” to “you don’t even know they have it.”

This is consistent with studies reporting moderate to severe illness in a small number of people (usually the elderly with other risk factors). 1 in 3 positives show no symptoms..

Given the ubiquitous existence of this Highly infectious coronavirus Due to the high incidence of asymptomatic illnesses in our community, people who have not been diagnosed with COVID may wonder, “How can I tell if I was infected?” Hmm. And “Is it important if I have it?”

How to diagnose COVID

Most people had fever or symptoms of the upper respiratory tract and / or were exposed to an infected person and underwent a swab test (PCR or rapid antigen) to detect the COVID virus (SARS-CoV-2), resulting in COVID. I know I was infected. In the upper respiratory tract.

At the beginning of 2022, many people with consistent symptoms or high-risk exposure did not have access to PCR or RAT to confirm the diagnosis, but instead presumed themselves positive and quarantined themselves. ..

It is possible to diagnose past infections in people who have never tested positive.Blood tests can be found SARS-CoV-2 antibody (Also known as immunoglobulin). When we are infected with SARS-CoV-2, our immune system initiates accurate counter-strike by producing antibodies against viral targets, especially the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins. COVID vaccination Trigger Similar immune response to S protein only. S-antibodies “neutralize” invaders by preventing the virus from adhering to human cells.

These antibodies were detected within 1-3 weeks after infection and At least 6 months – potentially much longer.. Blood tests that show antibodies to the S and N proteins show that someone has been previously infected. Detection of antibodies to the S protein indicates vaccination only (not infection).

Antibody testing problems

Before you rush to get a COVID antibody test, there are a few things to keep in mind.Still there Lots of learning about features Assessment of immune response to COVID infection. Not all people show a detectable antibody response after infection, and in some people the level can drop to undetectable levels after a few months.

Due to other circulating seasonal coronaviruses (such as those that cause common colds), the test can also detect antibodies against non-SARS-CoV-2 strains, resulting in “false positives”.

Pathological laboratories in commercial and public hospitals can perform SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests, but the results should be interpreted with caution.

Therefore, antibody testing should actually only be performed if there is good reason that confirming the effectiveness of past infections or vaccinations is important for the individual’s current care. For example, diagnose post-infection complications and eligibility for specific treatments. It can also be useful for contact tracing and background assessment of infection rates.

Antibodies to test the population

“”Seroprevalence studyTest for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody in stored blood reservoirs that represent the general population, such as blood banks. This data helps to understand the true extent of COVID infection and the status of vaccination in the community (and provides information for assessing the population’s susceptibility to future infections and reinfections). This is more useful than the daily reported number of cases, which is biased towards symptomatic individuals and individuals with access to swab tests.

new research The World Health Organization, which has not yet been reviewed by other scientists, reported the results of a meta-analysis of more than 800 seroprevalence studies worldwide since 2020. By July 2021, 45.2% of the world’s population had SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from past infections or vaccinations, eight times (5.5%) the previous year’s estimates.

There is schedule implement Study of fresh seroprevalence Next year in Australia Update local data And it helps to understand how much the Omicron wave has washed away the population.

Is it okay if I’m infected with COVID and don’t know?

For most people, knowing your COVID infection status is nothing more than a conversation at dinner.

Some studies have pointed out that the following antibody responses are less robust and durable: Mild Also Asymptomatic For infectious diseases compared to severe illness, it is unclear how this affects protection from reinfection. Indeed, the knowledge of having antibodies from past infections does not prevent the COVID vaccination, which is the best preventive measure against severe illness, to be completely up to date.

There are reports of people developing mild or asymptomatic COVID infections Long COVID – Persistent or recurrent symptoms that last several months after the initial infection. Symptoms include shortness of breath, physical and mental malaise, exercise intolerance, headaches, and muscle and joint pain.

However possibility The rate of developing this condition appears to be higher in people with more severe initial attacks of COVID disease.This may be linked with Higher viral load At that time.

Conclusion

Many of us may have been unknowingly infected, given that we have entered the third year of the COVID pandemic and that one in three infections can be asymptomatic.

Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged fatigue, brain fog, or other symptoms that can lead to prolonged clouding of consciousness. Otherwise, knowing our COVID infection status is unlikely to be of many practical benefit. Antibody tests should be booked for specific medical or public health indications.

Getting the latest information on COVID vaccines is the best defense against serious illnesses in the future.