COVID 19
Clinical significance
- COVID-19 is an infection and illness caused by the new strain of corona virus called SARS CoV-2. There are few corona viruses that are known to infect humans, and most cause mild to moderate respiratory symptoms. SARS COV 2 infection is like MERS (Middle East respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) because it can cause more illness and in some cases lead to pneumonia and death
- Because SARS COV 2 is a novel virus, everyone is potentially susceptible to infection and it is not known who may develop serious complications. Some infected people may be asymptomatic or have no noticeable symptoms and yet be contagious, potentially spreading the virus to others. The key symptoms of Covid 19 are coughing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Additional symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, head ache, sore throat and loss of smell or taste. Children generally have a milder illness but will often have the same symptoms as an adult.
- The risk increases with age and with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system. Some people develop pneumonia, and in severe cases a ventilator may be needed. In most severe cases COVID 19 may lead to organ failure or death
- About 1 to 2 weeks after infection, the body begins to produce antibodies to the virus, with the levels gradually increasing over time. However it is not known how long people continue to produce antibodies and whether the antibodies protect against re-infection, providing immunity
- Blood tests or IgG, IgM antibodies detect antibodies produced by the body’s immune system. Antibodies are not formed for about 1 to 2 weeks, hence will miss early infections
- Reverse Transcription polymerase reaction (RT- PCR) detect the virus RNA in a respiratory tract sample from the back of nose, is the most accurate test for diagnosis
- Antigen test detects the presence or absence of corona virus antigen in patient’s body. The test is designed o detect a specific protein in the virus that elicits the body’s immune response. It reveals if a person is currently infected with the pathogen. Negative results from an antigen test may be confirmed with a PCR test
When to get tested
When there is s/s that suggest a SARS CoV 19 infection (Fever, Cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, head, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell)
Elevated level
Decreased level
Profile
ALL TEST
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