With the recent surge of the omicron COVID-19 variant in the United States, more and more people are procuring tests. While the PCR test is the most accurate way to detect COVID-19, it can be difficult to schedule an appointment. That’s why many people opt for the at-home rapid antigen tests. How accurate are these tests, which you can now obtain for free via the United States Postal Service?

Two types of tests can identify a current infection of SARS-CoV-2. The first test is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, also called a diagnostic test or molecular test. This test identifies infection by detecting genetic material of the coronavirus. The second type of test is an antigen test, which diagnoses COVID-19 by searching for certain molecules found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2. Rapid antigen tests provide results quickly and don’t require lab analysis. Even though they yield quick results, they aren’t as accurate as PCR tests. 

How Accurate Are Rapid Antigen Tests?

The primary difference between a PCR and rapid antigen test is that rapid tests aren’t always sensitive enough to detect a positive infection. A PCR test may be able to detect positive infection sooner than a rapid test can, which helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. You can test negative with an antigen test, but there’s a possibility that you may be infected. The viral load may not be high enough for the test at that moment in time. People with symptoms may receive more accurate results.

If you want to test before getting together with a group of people, using a rapid antigen test may be sufficient. If you are traveling or attending an event, however, a PCR test is often necessary. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antigen test sensitivity will vary depending on where you are in your infection. It has “moderate to high” sensitivity during peak viral load. That means that antigen tests are more likely to generate false negatives, especially on symptomless people.

Chances Or Rapid Tests Giving False Negatives

A 2021 review examined the results of 64 test accuracy studies that evaluated commercially produced molecular or rapid antigen tests. The results indicated that the accuracy varied considerably. For people with COVID-19 symptoms, the tests gave correct positive results 72% of the time. The average positive results for people with symptoms fell with the range of 63.7% to 79% accuracy. 

The accuracy for the antigen tests was different for people without COVID-19 symptoms. The researchers found that antigen tests had 58.1% accuracy for symptomless people. Researchers also used antigen tests during the first and second week of symptoms. Rapid antigen tests more accurately detected positive COVID-19 infection during the first week of symptoms. In fact the accuracy percentage was 78.3%, but it dropped to 51% accurate during the second week of symptoms. 

Are Some Rapid Tests Better Than Others?

In order for test makers to sell rapid test kits, they have to submit clinical data about the sensitivity and specificity of the test. Sensitivity relates to the test’s ability to detect a true positive, while specificity relates to the ability of the test to detect a true negative. The use of all at-home COVID-19 tests is allowed under emergency use from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For this reason, the relative performance of individual tests hasn’t been rigorously tested by the FDA. Is there one rapid test that is better or more reliable than another one? It’s very difficult or even possible to give an answer. 

Lastly, there is no rapid test that tells you which variant you have. In order to detect a variant, lab genetic testing is necessary. Random samples of positive COVID-19 are sent to specialized labs, where researchers anonymously sequence them to identify variants. Should you want the most accurate result for COVID-19 positivity or negativity, get a PCR test.

SHARE:

The post How Accurate Are Rapid COVID-19 Test Results? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

So you just tested positive for COVID-19 and you have to isolate in the house. The end of quarantine seems like an eternity away and you have to figure out how to occupy your time. Although it’s unfair, some people have no symptoms or mild symptoms, while others can barely move and feel like death. No matter what your symptoms are, it’s important to remember that you have a virus in your system and boosting immunity is paramount. 

As with any sickness, proper nutrition and hydration are vital aspects to a speedy recovery. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains help diversify your nutritional intake and replenish the body with antioxidants. Hydrating can also expedite the waste elimination process and keep the body feeling healthy. Drinking water helps to regulate body temperature and transport nutrients and compounds in the blood. 

There are foods that you shouldn’t eat after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result. This is because certain foods can slow the recovery process or impair immune function. It’s beneficial to avoid processed foods because they contain added sugars, preservatives, sodium, and unhealthy fats. It’s also beneficial to avoid fried foods, sugary drinks, and the other foods in this article. 

Avoid Spicy Foods

Typically, health experts encourage people to eat spicy foods if they are feeling down because it promotes decongestion. In the case of COVID-19, however, it’s better to avoid spicy foods because they can irritate the throat and cause you to cough more. If congestion is the issue, you may benefit from a little heat in your food. To play it safe, though, eat on the milder side. 

Fried Foods

Greasy, fried, fast foods are rich in unhealthy fats. Consuming these foods can impair immune function, and your immune system needs all the help it can get if you have COVID-19. Additionally, these foods can negatively affect gut microbiome, which also suppresses immunity. During the frying process, foods become calorically dense, as the outer layer is replete with fat or oil. The oils in which people fry foods can contain trans fat, which has the ability to increases LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. 

Processed Foods

If it comes in a package and contains processed ingredients, it’s best to avoid it. Sodium, preservatives, additives, dyes, artificial flavors, and added sugars can cause inflammation in the body. The higher amount of omega-6 fatty acids and sodium further the inflammatory process. If you have a higher amount of inflammation in the body, the immune system cannot perform optimally. That leaves you more susceptible to developing symptoms and extends recovery time from the illness. 

Sugary Drinks

It can be tempting to crack open a can of sugary soda or packaged juice, but many of these beverages contain added sugars. This also goes for a carton or bottle orange juice, which many people believe is the best source of vitamin C. You can drink orange juice, but it’s best to drink cold-pressed or freshly made varieties to ensure quality freshness. As stated in the previous paragraphs, added sugars contribute to inflammation in the body. If you crave carbonation, consider sparkling water to get your fix of bubbles. 

Red Meat

Yet another food item that can promote inflammation in the body. Red meat has a high amount of saturated fat, which increases both inflammatory markers and cholesterol levels. Instead of eating foods with saturated fats, it’s better to enjoy foods with monounsaturated fats. Some of the best foods that contain monounsaturated fats include avocados, wild caught salmon, olive oil, nuts, and legumes like beans and lentils. 

SHARE:

The post What Foods To Avoid If You Test Positive For COVID-19 appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and many people use it as a last hurrah. Celebrations range from a camping trip in the forest, a large barbecue, a beach rental with friends, or a trip to a neighboring city or state. As Americans attempt to squeeze in one last weekend of summer shenanigans, it’s best to do so safely with the nationwide spread of the coronavirus delta variant. 

Labor Day is a notorious holiday for travel, and plenty of Americans are ready to hit the road or airport to reach their destinations. According to Arrivalist, a travel data company, roughly 42.9 million Americans will head out on road trips for Labor Day 2021. That’s actually a 10% decrease since 2019 Labor Day Weekend travel, and a 1% decrease since 2020 Labor Day travel. Perhaps this is due to the highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19. 

It’s wise to reconsider what you have planned for your travels. Some things may or may not be open, or your anxiety about the developing situation may induce fear. If you plan to travel or already have existing travel plans for Labor Day Weekend, keep the following safety tips in mind. 

Bring Masks…Lots Of Them

The rise of the delta variant is an evolving situation, meaning that cities and states may change safety guidelines as they see fit. For example, Hawaii may enforce a 72-hour stay-at-home order for the upcoming Labor Day Weekend because it has seen the highest case rates since the beginning of the pandemic. With updated recommendations and regulations, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Bring lots of masks wherever you go, especially if you have to fly to your destination. TSA requires that people wear masks until at least January 2022. If masks get dirty or wet, they offer less protection. Opt for triple-layer protection with adjustable ear loops so that the mask fits snugly on your face. 

Focus On Outdoor Activities

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that outdoor gatherings are much safer than indoor gatherings. This is especially true if the gathering consists of both unvaccinated and vaccinated people. Use Labor Day as an excuse to soak up the last bit of summer weather. If possible, try to keep the size of the gathering to a minimum, and exercise caution if there are children present. Be extra safe if anyone you know is immunocompromised.

Check Guidelines Before Traveling

Before you depart or venture across state/country lines, it’s best to check what your destination’s guidelines and regulations are. Some states or countries may implement quarantine requirements for incoming travelers. Alternatively, you may have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48-72 hours of departure. This is mainly for international travel, though. Traveling within the U.S. may be easier, but still exercise caution and do your research before you leave. 

Have Your Vaccine Card Handy

This only applies to people who received one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Places like New Orleans or New York City recently started requiring proof of vaccination for indoor venues like gyms and restaurants. Now, the vaccine card is not the most wallet-friendly document, which can bring up some issues. Fortunately, most places often accept a digital photo of the vaccine card, or the QR code that reveals status of vaccination. Those last two options may be more feasible than carrying around the vaccine card. 

Stay Home If You’re Unwell

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of transmission is to stay at home if you feel sick or unwell. You may have a summer cold as opposed to COVID-19, but stay home, rest, and allow the body time to get better. If you don’t have COVID-19, it’s easier to contract it when your immune system is already struggling. With the more contagious delta variant, however, some COVID-19 symptoms can mimic those of the flu or common cold. It may be wise to get a COVID-19 test if you are not feeling well, just to be on the safe side. 

SHARE:

The post Labor Day And The Delta: How To Travel Safely appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There’s an excitement that kids experience when the time comes to return to school. This is an interesting phenomenon considering the elation kids feel when summer break rolls around and they get to leave for a couple months. The start of the school year, however, gives kids the opportunity to catch up, reconnect, and share all sorts of germs. That’s great news for parents, right? 

Back to school is a challenging time for families, and the 2021 fall semester is no different. With delta variant surges occurring all over the United States, sending kids back to school can be a terrifying thought. Millions of students are preparing for fully in-person education for the first time in over a year. In addition to shopping for school supplies, there are health issues to consider. Ensuring that children understand the importance of hygiene and masking policies is one primary job. While the physical health of children is something that parents need to worry about, mental health may also be a topic of discussion. 

Returning To School: A Mental Struggle

Clinical psychologists have been receiving calls about assisting children with their reentry to in-person classes. Each child has their own set of concerns, worries, or fears about heading back to school in general. Lack of enthusiasm to go to class, developing a morning routine, and cementing an after-school homework ritual are all things that require work, but this year presents a different challenge. The coronavirus is still in the air, spreading rapidly with the newer delta variant. Kids may feel worried or nervous to be around their peers. Will kids abide by masking guidelines and practice proper hand-washing? Kids who are old enough understand that it’s much easier to get sick, and that worry may make it difficult to head back to the classroom. 

Whether you are an educator, parent, administrator, or counselor, the following tips may help students start the year off right. There will be inevitable challenges, but you can tackle them as they come. 

Create A Morning Checklist

Heading back to in-person school involves a much different routine than heading to the dining room table to start Zoom classes. Aside from equipping kids with a mask, hand sanitizer, and lunch, there may be other things to pack. Consider after-school programs, sports, or musical instruments that also have to go with them. Create a daily checklist for children to reference every morning. This will be interactive and fun, and it will help get them ready for each day. 

Refresh Proper Coughing & Sneezing Etiquette

Everyone coughs and sneezes, which can make people nervous in today’s day and age. Remind children to sneeze and cough into their bent elbow, not their hands. This is to help prevent germs from clinging to their hands, which can inevitably touch their face. 

Prioritize Mental Health

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that mental health can dictate how you feel overall. Encourage your children to speak up if they experience too much stress, pressure, or anxiety about returning to school. Remind them that counselors and educators are there to help. Tackling mental health problems in their early stages is the best way to combat the issue. Children have demonstrated incredible resilience during the pandemic, so make sure they know to speak up about anything and everything. There may be learning gaps or loss, but children became resilient and learned to cope with how the world changed. 

Read School Emails

This tip is for parents because there will undoubtedly be more emails this coming school year. Schools will most likely update parents via email about events, COVID-19 concerns, or learning opportunities. Always keep an eye out for new information, especially before classes start and during the first month of schooling. 

Remind Them Of Proper Hand-Washing

A classroom is a breeding ground for bacteria, even if kids are wearing masks. Touching any surface in school, even if there are enhanced cleaning measures, means that germs end up on hands. Failure to keep hands clean can cause anything from pink eye to COVID-19. Make sure children have hand sanitizer and that they wash hands after dirtying them. Encourage frequent hand-washing by practicing this at home. In fact, making children wash their hands upon returning from school is also a healthy reminder and good idea. 

Know When Staying Home Is Best

Now more than ever, staying home during sickness is paramount. If you notice the subtlest hint of illness, keep the child at home and away from other kids at school. If a fever, cough, or congestion develops, consider getting a COVID-19 test to confirm whether or not that is the cause. Determining this will dictate how soon or if they go back to school or not. 

Always err on the side of caution with children, especially this year. Be the voice of reason and roll with the punches, just like we’ve been doing since the beginning of the pandemic. Your kids are resilient and they will persevere. 

SHARE:

The post Back To In-Person School: Tips To Keep Kids Healthy appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are some serious hurdles to overcome if a person living in your home contracts COVID-19. You never thought that it would make it into your home, but it did and now you have to avoid it like the plague that it is. What can you do to keep yourself and others safe? Now more than ever, it is paramount to understand how to deal with a COVID-19 positive person in your home. 

Since household members have a 50% risk of contracting the virus if someone in the house has it, you need to know how to act. We gathered some information to help you stay as safe and healthy as possible. Keep in mind that some of this information may go against your core beliefs, but these steps are necessary for your health. 

Get Tested

If the person in your house comes home with a positive test, wear a mask and gloves around them at all times and quarantine them in a room as best you can. They may only experience mild symptoms, but you still need to get a COVID-19 PCR test ASAP. Now, it’s possible for the test to come back negative because the virus may or may not be present in your system in the first couple days. Because of that, you should get a second test about five to seven days after the person came home with a positive COVID-19 test. Testing is readily available in every state and you can find testing sites on city websites. Lastly, any person who came in contact with that person prior to testing positive should be informed so that they can all take tests. 

Designate A Sick Room And Bathroom

If you have a spare room and bathroom, that makes this step a whole lot easier. The infected person needs to use a separate bedroom and bathroom from you. Children and pets should avoid the sick person’s areas at all costs and you should only enter with personal protective gear when absolutely necessary. If you don’t have a second bathroom, you will have to disinfect every single surface after the sick person uses it to ensure that it is 100% clean. You can google which disinfectants are the best to get rid of germs. 

Let Fresh Air In Whenever Possible

This gets trickier as the days get colder, but fresh air is necessary, especially if your living quarters are tight. Keep those windows open whenever possible, even if you have to turn on the heat simultaneously. The virus spreads rapidly indoors, so avoid stagnant air by increase airflow into the home. 

Eat Healthy

We’re putting this recommendation before mask wearing and hand washing for a reason. Not enough people have put emphasis on healthy eating during the pandemic, which is very upsetting. One of the best ways to improve immune function is by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. If you must eat animal protein, obtain grass-fed/grass-finished beef or wild caught fish. These foods can help decrease your risk of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, all of which are conditions that make a COVID-19 infection more life-threatening. 

Disinfect Like You’ve Never Disinfected Before

Nobody likes to clean the house all the time, but you also don’t want to get COVID-19. Exert the extra effort and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces and items. These include doorknobs, countertops, light switches, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and tables. You need to disinfect at least once or twice daily, depending on how many people live in the house and touch these items. 

Always Wear A Mask

If someone in your house contracts COVID-19, that mask better not come off your face, unless you’re sectioned off in your own room away from the infected person. Additionally, the person who is sick should wear a mask if they enter common areas and leave their quarantined bedroom. According to health experts, there is a low risk of transmission if both you and the infected person wear masks. Masks help to block respiratory droplets and aerosols from exiting or entering. Wearing a mask does not make you 100% safe from COVID-19, but it does dramatically reduce your risk of contracting it. 

SHARE:

The post How To Protect Yourself When Someone In Your House Has COVID-19 appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Researchers and scientists have been working around the clock to develop tests that detect antibodies against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in blood samples. Slowly but surely, antibody test are being administered to thousands of people across the country to help determine who has them and who doesn’t. Experts hope that these tests will give them a better understanding of how widespread the virus is.

What Is An Antibody Test?

Also referred to as a serology test, an antibody test looks for antibodies in the blood. When the body encounters an infection or virus, like SARS-CoV-2, it makes antibodies to develop immunity to the virus. In reality, the antibody test is not checking for the virus itself; rather, it checks your immune system to see whether or not it responded to the infection. Antibody tests are not the same as diagnostic tests, which are nasal and throat swabs that test for infection.

How Do Antibody Tests Work?

The doctor will prick your finger or obtain blood somehow in order to test for antibodies. When it comes to testing for SARS-CoV-2, doctors test for two types of antibodies, including:

• IgM antibodies: these develop early in the infection
• IgG antibodies: these typically show up after you recover

It can take the body up to four weeks to develop IgM antibodies in some instances, and scientists are still uncertain of how long IgM antibodies develop in people who contract SARS-CoV-2. More tests need to be done to determine this.

Here’s The Problem With Current Coronavirus Antibody Tests

Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus still has a lot of unknown factors, scientists are unaware if developing antibodies to it means that you are in the clear. More research needs to be done about what immune responses are needed to protect someone from coronavirus. Unfortunately, antibodies alone cannot inform researchers of whether or not someone is protected from reinfection. Additionally, people who have antibodies could still be infectious and spreading the virus unknowingly.

These Antibody Tests Aren’t Perfect

Don’t get too excited about antibody tests just yet, because they aren’t perfect. Some people can have sloppy immune systems, to put it bluntly. All this means is that an antibody test may not pick up antibodies, or it may confuse them with antibodies for the common cold, which is also a type of coronavirus. Also, people with autoimmune diseases develop tons of antibodies that can bind or stick to anything, leading to false readings on coronavirus antibody tests.

There Is Some Good News

A large team of Stanford Medicine scientists recently developed a new type of antibody test for the coronavirus. It differs from regular antibody blood tests because this test looks for antibodies to the virus in plasma, which is the liquid in blood. This Stanford test takes two to three days to see the results and Stanford Health Care is currently able to test 500 samples per day. Researchers aim to scale up this number as soon as possible. The Stanford test aims to measure the antibody levels in asymptomatic infections, or infections that caused mild symptoms. The reason this data is pertinent is because it will determine how common mild infections are in the general population.

In closing, it is difficult to understand the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. By administering antibody tests on a large scale, however, the hope is that researchers will have a better idea of how individuals can return to normal activity in society.

SHARE:

The post What Does The Coronavirus Antibody Test Actually Reveal? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.