Is there a definitive, reliable test that would be able to detect antibodies from a past case of COVID? And NOT from vaccine response.
Longwinded me me me context is that a friend who means very well and wants to be sure I use the best masks assumes I’ve had asymptomatic COVID, considering I’ve had some lax experiences with masking and I haven’t been completely avoiding people. She’s very hardline because with her medical situation she can’t chance getting long COVID herself.
I live in a city with access to free PCR testing, and tested weekly during the then-height of the pandemic. If I had cold symptoms I’d home- and PCR test…I know it sounds like what’s the point of worrying over the past, etc etc. But I’d like to know whether I’m at risk for vascular/clotting problems in the future…she’s said even asymptomatic cases are likely to have subclinical damage later on.
For what it’s worth I have a few underlying conditions where I can’t imagine having COVID without even knowing it. Friend is looking at it from a scientific/statistical angle.
Sorry for the ramble. If nothing else, it’s nice to vent here. :)
For your first question, I don’t know if a test exists, but it is possible. Antibodies from vaccination will be antibodies to spike only, whereas antibodies to actual infection with sars cov2 would potentially include antibodies to envelope proteins and membrane proteins in addition to spike. I don’t know if anyone has taken the time to develop this test though.
The question in your first sentence is a very good one. Like you, I don't think I've had covid, but I can't be 100% certain that I didn't have a mild or asymptomatic infection some time ago without knowing it.
The best person to ask (about the existence of a test to determine if you've already had covid in the past) is a qualified doctor. If I find out anything, I'll let you know.
I file this under, what I don't know, I refused let it worry me or eat at me. Especially someone else putting doubts in my mind over their fears. Get boosted and live your life how you see fit, we can't stop what we don't know will happen. Good luck Darlin. ❤️💙