Unfortunately the antibody test is not 100% accurate, so not having antibodies does not mean you have not had the disease. Also current research suggests that the antibodies may not last very long.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
We were both very ill before xmas with a bad coughing bug. My OH ended up in hospital with Pneumonia. I had a really bad dose of conjunctivitis with it too....another sign of Covid. We wonder if we had it too. A few months ago one of the Scientists said that he thought it could have been here in December and quite possibly as early as September.
My daughter and son-in-law had all the signs of Covid-19 earlier in the year but on testing found to have no anti-bodies so they never had it. There are many nasty viruses out there that can give the same symptoms so it is quite possible it was just one of those and not Covid-19.
Where I work some staff who had positive swab tests a few months ago have now had negative antibody tests.
I just received this message from the COVID-19 Symptom Study, which I take part in, as I'm sure lots of people here do. I thought it was worth sharing.
'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'
Unfortunately I appear to fall into the recent category of 'long term Covid'. After 18 weeks my breathing is still very bad - to the point where it dramatically has affected my normal (retired) life. Even making a cup of tea is problematical. Have undergone hospital tests etc and still waiting on the results of the last ones.
So apologies for not participating in the forum very much this year......... Hope everyone else is still staying healthy and if you have had Covid, then have recovered quickly.
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Sorry to hear that @hogweed . I hope the test results get you access to some treatment or advice that helps. Take it easy and look after yourself in the meantime.
Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
What is really frightening me, is that there are increasing reports from around the world, of people getting the disease for a second time. If these are true, it appears that immunity may only last for a few months.
Sorry to hear your news @hogweed. Unfortunately your story is all too common.
How can you lie there and think of England When you don't even know who's in the team
Can I flag up another vote for the Covid symptom study mentioned by @LG_. It is headed in the UK by Tim Spector, my wife knows his work from the twin study research his unit does (she is a twin) & we trust him far more than the "official" data. This study was one of the first to highlight the loss of taste & smell as a definite symptom, though they share all their info with the govt they still seem ahead. Their latest data is predicting an uptick in case numbers already as a result of the easing of lockdown, it is known the official govt figures are about 20 days behind what is actually happening on the ground. So dear Boris has just announced another raft of easing restrictions but this may be too premature, we will see. covid.joinzoe.com if you are interested in their data I would encourage everyone to report in too.
I can sympathise with you @hogweed I know what you are going through as my son is struggling also. Still having chest pains and breathing difficulties. It is so very frustrating for you, I know.
Posts
Also current research suggests that the antibodies may not last very long.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
So apologies for not participating in the forum very much this year.........
Hope everyone else is still staying healthy and if you have had Covid, then have recovered quickly.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
If these are true, it appears that immunity may only last for a few months.
Sorry to hear your news @hogweed. Unfortunately your story is all too common.
When you don't even know who's in the team
S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
covid.joinzoe.com if you are interested in their data I would encourage everyone to report in too.