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I'm not a journalist or a scientist. I am a person who had Covid-19 and experienced / learned some crazy things about the ever-changing science, policy, and tech. And lack thereof. As more of my friends and family get Covid, I'm realizing how it's hard to know where to start:
1 - Testing. PCR tests range in 2-37% false negatives. If they do catch a positive, it's sensitive to small amount of virus. So... you might not be contagious. But currently the accessible tests to know if you *are indeed* contagious aren't widely on market. (Huge oversight).
2 - Generally, if you do get a positive PCR test, you can mostly trust it. But make sure you're not trusting negatives, even one or two, *yet* as an excuse to go out. What happens between the time you tested and time you get a result... that still counts as possible transmission.
3 - Current "rapid tests" that are available vary in accuracy (up to 50% false negative) and aren't necessarily telling us useful information as it relates to viral load. Until better ones (and I'll get there), are available, don't give yourself a free pas from a negative result.
4 - You are most contagious *before*!!! your symptoms set in, if you have symptoms at all. Most transmission happens between people without symptoms, and many people never transmit. Some people super spread.
5 - There are variances between strains and people as to how long you'll "shed" the virus. Isolation guidelines are built to be palatable to the public, but you shouldn't take them as gospel for yourself. Just be aware they're a guardrail.
6 - Personally, I had a second onset of symptoms after 5 days of no symptoms since the first onset. According to my contact tracer, I would have been able to reunite with my family. Instead I ended up in the hospital. Sample size 1. Don't get freaked. Also, I'm fine now.
7 - Y'ALL! One study found Panbio Covid 19 Ag rapid test by abbot is 99.8% accurate for catching contagiousness, at home, or right before you see someone, and it's cheap. WHO has guidance here: https://www.who.int/news/item/28-09-2020-global-partnership-to-make-available-120-million-affordable-quality-covid-19-rapid-tests-for-low--and-middle-income-countries
8 - The FDA approved a similar test, not yet scaled out... but currently not the at-home version. Not really as easy to drop into a testing center. But better. https://www.fda.gov/media/141570/download
9 - Antibody tests on the market... Many are only 50% accurate. You might have no antibodies detected, and in fact they *will* wane. But you could be immune. Science points toward immunity coming from our T cell response. Hoping for a test for that! https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/health/t-cell-test-coronavirus-immunity.html
10 - Masks work. LOL. But some are much better than others. Keep in mind. They're meant to be used *with* social distancing and proper ventilation.
11 - If you get sick, there is an amazing guide to caring for yourself. Of course, do what works best for your mind and body! https://covidhomecare.ca/COVID-19-Practical-Home-Care-bd4ea23fe5654737a93ea578c2ea1d02
12 - Vaccines are coming, but need careful distro. Taken 2x. And while confidence resides in American innovation, science, and some Public Health officials, it is low in our special interests' desire to protect us (see: guns), and our society's care for one another (see: 2020).
13 - In the meantime there is much to improve with testing so we can hug our besties and fam! Especially those on frontlines. And those who have lost someone.
And hey congress, let's send everyone fat checks to stay home this winter!
Let's do the group project better in 2021.
And hey congress, let's send everyone fat checks to stay home this winter!
Let's do the group project better in 2021.
