Access to antibody tests

Many of us may have had the virus and shown little or no symptoms.
Access to reliable antibody tests gives us all a better picture of potential immunity and a better idea of milder symptoms.
It should not be used to allow people to ignore social distancing as we don't know enough about immunity yet but would help ease some anxiety to know how many people have had it without complications.

Why the contribution is important

Better idea of potential herd immunity
Better view of what mild symptoms people experience to aid early identification of cases going forward

by clairemcduffy on May 05, 2020 at 01:43PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 45 votes

Comments

  • Posted by Jane May 05, 2020 at 13:52

    This is essential to the strategy - once available we need a logistical plan to implement and perhaps the volunteers who have signed up but not yet used could assist.

  • Posted by Scotland1 May 05, 2020 at 13:53

    Would be very useful in opening up the hospitality sector. E.g hotels and B&B’s. People would find it reassuring to know that others guests have some immunity.

  • Posted by AlbaOwl May 05, 2020 at 14:03

    It seems a logical way forward. There are many people who think they may have had a mild or asymptomatic form of the virus.

  • Posted by ElsieC64 May 05, 2020 at 14:05

    Absolutely essential to gather this information to ascertain the number of people who may have had the virus but did not even know it. It has to be part of the lifting lockdown restrictions

  • Posted by June May 05, 2020 at 14:10

    Essential if we are ever going to be able to travel again. An antibody passport would be a great idea.

  • Posted by Ann May 05, 2020 at 14:16

    Testing the population would give a good idea of how many people have had the virus and could give some peace of mind . Perhaps test in age groups , oldest people and shielded people first

  • Posted by SplatTuz May 05, 2020 at 14:20

    A few people are wondering whether they had this around December and January myself and my husband had something with similar symptoms it didn't feel like a common cold or flu, days of muscle aches, started half way round a walk when I felt suddenly dreadfully exhausted and ill, feeling sick, cough and not wanting to eat anything for 2 weeks. Was breathless when I started going out for walks again. We are both fit and active and healthy people.

  • Posted by SF54 May 05, 2020 at 15:29

    Testing would be a positive thing , I had a bad lung infection late November with a persistant cough. Would I be immune now??

  • Posted by sheilacastle May 05, 2020 at 15:58

    Fantastic idea - when one is actually developed!

  • Posted by cm100 May 05, 2020 at 17:10

    I think this is the best idea, to ascertain who may have had the virus. I am almost positive that my work colleagues had this just before the Christmas break. Almost everyone of them were off for a week or more with a high fever and cough, one developed pneumonia. I didn't get any symptoms until early January but that would equate to a two week incubation period.

    This would be a positive step forward and help to get people back to work quicker.

  • Posted by ljk84 May 05, 2020 at 17:21

    we believe our household all had covid-19 at the end of march but since testing was not widely available at that time no way of knowing. There must be an antibody test for all suspected cases so we know more realistic figures of how many people have immunity

  • Posted by scotdavid63 May 05, 2020 at 17:24

    this is really important, if antibodies can be shown then some people can get on and get things moving again; persistence of antibodies less of an issue if regular testing (eg to show above a certain threshold) is available. Will also allow data gathering for stats and science.
    For some of us who need to travel on business it will also smooth travel logistics

  • Posted by rst May 05, 2020 at 18:38

    I’m sure this is on the agenda and will be rolled out as capacity allows.It will be interesting to see who had the virus with minimal or known symptoms.I am interested especially in the elderly whether in the community or care homes eg does it present in different ways that don’t alert carers to the problem until it’s well advanced and has already been passed on.

  • Posted by AndersonJones May 05, 2020 at 23:17

    Until there is a reliable antibody test and/or vaccine, we, as a family will not stop the current social distancing measures. We will not allow our children to return to school and will continue to home school and work remotely. We are lucky to be able to do this, and in doing so hope to ease the burden from the NHS and safeguard our family. We are not open to taking any undue risk.

  • Posted by MJAndrews May 08, 2020 at 11:53

    Not heard much about antibody test form any government for a long time. Must be due an update.

  • Posted by Christina May 09, 2020 at 19:13

    Totally agree. Even if we don't know for certain if it means immunity if you have had the virus ,we would still get a better idea of how many of us had actually had it.
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