How Do You Know If You Had COVID-19 Months Ago?
- 4 years ago
Many people don't know if they had COVID-19 in the early stages of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. That's because tests weren't available.
But now, Allure reports a blood test for the presence of antibodies could provide answers.
Antibodies — or, proteins the body produces to fight off antigens — can confirm whether a person had an infection in the past.
In contrast, tests for COVID-19 are carried out by nasal swabs and reveal whether the person has the virus at the time of testing.
Nevertheless, experts say that even if your blood shows the presence of antibodies, you should continue to wear masks and observe social distancing.
That's because scientists have not yet determined whether the presence of antibodies signals actual immunity to the virus.
But now, Allure reports a blood test for the presence of antibodies could provide answers.
Antibodies — or, proteins the body produces to fight off antigens — can confirm whether a person had an infection in the past.
In contrast, tests for COVID-19 are carried out by nasal swabs and reveal whether the person has the virus at the time of testing.
Nevertheless, experts say that even if your blood shows the presence of antibodies, you should continue to wear masks and observe social distancing.
That's because scientists have not yet determined whether the presence of antibodies signals actual immunity to the virus.