I've been a caretaker of an elderly woman with dementia for over two years. I've seen the effects of this mental affliction, and how devastating it can be to loved ones. This is why I am a firm believer in seeking a professional diagnosis, so the patient may receive necessary care and treatment. Once diagnosed at the onset of symptoms, a plan can be devised. Through social interaction and daily care, my charge has achieved a higher quality of life. If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, you can make a difference. Love will find a way.
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Dementia and Your Loved One
Viral Testing, Antibody Testing, And COVID-19
Vickie Armstrong
The COVID-19 pandemic that swept across the world created a lot of fear. Some of the fear that people felt came from a lack of information regarding the new virus and its potential effects on long-term health.
Fortunately, testing has been established that can help a person detect when treatment is needed. You have likely heard talk of both viral testing and antibody testing in relation to COVID-19, but do you really understand the differences between the two? Learn more about these COVID-19 tests so that you will be able to make informed healthcare decisions in the future.
Viral Testing
Viral testing is used by healthcare professionals to check for the presence of an infection caused by a particular virus. There are two approaches that can be used when it comes to viral testing. These approaches are rapid testing and laboratory testing.
Rapid testing is the most common type of viral test performed at COVID-19 stations. The results from a rapid test can be obtained within minutes, allowing healthcare professionals to diagnose a larger number of people and help better control the spread of the virus.
Laboratory testing requires that a sample be sent to a medical lab for further analysis. Some medical professionals utilize laboratory testing as a way of confirming the initial results obtained through a rapid test. You will test positive on a viral test if you are actively infected, whether you have any symptoms or not.
Antibody Testing
Each time a virus is introduced to your body, your immune system produces antibodies that are designed to help ward off that same infection in the future. COVID-19 antibody tests can be used to determine if a person has been infected or vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19.
Antibody testing has proven to be an effective type of testing in relation to COVID-19. This is due to the fact that many people infected with the COVID-19 virus are asymptomatic, meaning that they show no tell-tale signs of having the virus. Without an antibody test, asymptomatic people would not know that they have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Antibody testing can help slow the spread of disease by identifying asymptomatic carriers and allowing them to take action against infecting others.
COVID-19 testing continues to remain a vital part of managing the pandemic. Don't be afraid to utilize both viral and antibody tests as needed to monitor your health during this difficult time.
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