Not Yet Proven.

[Ken4155]

It is yet to be proven that anyone having had C19 is now immune to the virus. So I cannot get my head around the fact that the antibody tests have flown off the shelves, so to speak, at Superdrug. Especially when they cost almost £70 a pop. Had the proof been there, I can well understand the rush to buy these tests. Any ABers bought one? If so, why?

[Sqad]

No, I haven't bought one but the antibody tests are not 100% accurate.
Even with the tests and a result showing immunity, there is no indication as to the length of the immunity.
I cannot see the point of the antibody test at the moment.

[Old_Geezer]

There are indications that it may, though. Unknown for how long.

[woofgang]

Not yet but I wouldn't rule it out but I wouldn't get one from superdrug

[Gromit]

If you have anti-bodies it proves that you have had the virus, and have recovered.
if you do have the anti-bodies, It does not mean you immune, and it does not mean you won’t get it again in future. If you don’t have the anti-bodies then you haven’t had it, so should act very cautiously.
Like normal flu, you can get it several times in your lifetime, but it is seldom lethal unless you have another medical problem (usually age related).

[tiggerblue10]

I think it will be useful as way of establishing how many people across the UK have had the virus. At the moment its only those that have been tested but many early on were not tested.

Just heard a breaking news story on ITV that the antibody tests will now be available from the NHS with priority to all NHS staff and presumably those working in the care sector.

[Sqad]

It is all very well to demonstrate that you have antibodies and it is likely,not certain, that you have immunity BUT, that doesn't stop you from being a carrier and a danger to other people.
I think that the antibody test may well be misleading as to how safe you are to yourself or to the community.

[anneasquith]

Good to see sqad posting :-)

[jno]

Ken, I don't plan on buying a kit until Amazon start selling them for 20p but in theory I'd quite like to be shown that I'd had C19 and survived. I'm not that bothered about how much danger I pose to other people - I haven't been dangerous since my teenage years.

[Ken4155]

Yes, nice to see Sqad posting:-) Totally agree with your 14;10 post, Sqad. It could lead to some people having a false sense of security and a lack of respect for the current guidelines.

[Ken4155]

Tigger, I don't believe that Superdrug are primarily interested in establishing just how many have had the virus.

[Canary42]

Snake oil salesmen always have plenty of mugs ready to pay high prices.

[Vagus]

So I wonder what the medical boffins, immunologists, etc., feel is the benefit of these tests?
I can’t imagine they’re of little use except to tell people they’ve had COVID, there must be some other reason(s) that hasn’t been explained, or why bother inventing the test or testing people?

[Gromit]

The flu virus is constantly mutating into slightly different strains, which is why the flu vaccine is tweaked twice a year.
Covid-19 is likely to be the same. Because you have had this dose, and your body has successfully fought it off, does not mean you will be immune to a slightly mutated version of it.
If a Covid-19 vaccine is made, it too will likely have to be constantly be modified, to keep ahead of the virus.

[tiggerblue10]

I know Ken. I was just saying that it may be useful to gather data on the number of cases, assuming you're required to record the results somewhere.

[Ken4155]

No doubt the NHS will do that, Tigger. And, we would like to think Superdrug would, if requested, offer up their data.

[fiction-factory]

Some will just want to satisfy their curiosity and be able to say "told you I had it". Some will know that if they had it once and didn't need hospital it's unlikely they'll be in ICU in the unlikely event they get it soon. Hopefully immunity from this strand will last until vaccine is found

[naomi24]

I haven't bought one but they're less expensive from Lloyds Pharmacy at about £59.

[teacake44]

Can't understand why people are getting hysterical, it will all be over in a couple of years.

[anneasquith]

I hope so , TC .

[naomi24]

I think the reason that the kits have flown off the shelves is because people want to know if they've been infected - and hence survived it. I imagine it will be like flu - around forever.