WMC News and Updates

Information about COVID-19 Antibody Testing
 
For weeks it seems, we have eagerly been awaiting the availability of antibody tests for COVID-19.  It was thought that with widespread antibody tests, we would have a better sense of how many have been exposed or infected with the disease, and more importantly how many are now immune.  I have heard numerous times, “I was so sick in January, I know it was COVID-19 and that I’m immune.”  Unfortunately, the reality is that antibody testing may not be very useful.

A few facts about the tests:
  • While over 200 tests are available, only 12 tests have been formally approved by the FDA.  None of those are rapid, in-office or home tests.  The accuracy of many of the tests are very poor.
  • Typically, after a person is exposed to COVID, it takes 14 days after infection before the antibodies we are interested in can be detected.   
  • Even if exposed, a negative test can occur if a patient cannot develop a strong enough immune response to create antibodies.
  • A false positive test can occur if the test cross-reacts with another similar but different coronavirus. There are seven types known.

The presumption:  many people are assuming that if their antibody test is positive, they are immune to COVID-19.

The reality: We do not know if people with COVID-19 antibodies are actually immune. Even if having antibodies means immunity, for how long and do you have enough? Most of the currently available tests are simple “yes or no” tests for the presence of antibody and do not tell us if the amount of antibody is enough to prevent future infection. We know that people can get infected with the common coronaviruses (i.e. the common cold) repeatedly through a winter.  Even if antibodies provide immunity, we do not know how long any immunity would last. 

Summary:  The PCR (nasal swab) test is used to test for current infection with COVID-19.  The antibody test (blood test) can tell us whether or not a person has been exposed to COVID-19.  It cannot guarantee immunity.  The very real risk is that people test positive and assume they are immune and thus safe.  They may then place themselves and others at risk by stopping necessary precautions and safe distancing. The CDC and all medical advisory councils do not recommend antibody testing except for public health surveillance and to identify people for convalescent plasma donations.

Our Office Plan

We have remained open since the start of this pandemic and are now increasing our in-office visits.  We will be taking every precaution to protect patients and staff from infection such as: 
  • We screen our staff daily for COVID-19 symptoms and test for asymptomatic disease on a regular basis.
  • We clean the office several times a day and have 4 air cleaners that filter out coronavirus.
  • We require all patients to wear masks and practice social distancing in the office.
  • We separate well visits in the morning from sick visits in the afternoon to decrease potential exposure.
 
Telehealth will still be available for both sick and well visits and will remain a significant part of our practice.  We will update you with more details as we have them.  Thank you for your patience as plans will need to be fluid based on guidance from the CDC and the health department.  

Mental Health

This has been a trying time for everyone, filled with uncertainty and fear.  We all have concerns about our health and that of our loved ones.  We are worried about our children and our parents.  Added to this aer concerns about our jobs.  Many of us have been taken out of our comfort zones and thrust into a new world of telecommuting and Zoom calls.  On top of this is the inability to do the things that normally make us feel better…going to the gym, hanging out with friends, traveling.
 
Those with no history of anxiety or depression are having to learn what these symptoms feel like and how difficult it can be to keep them under control.  Those who do have a history of mental illness are struggling with worsening symptoms and are trying to develop ways to cope. 
 
Whichever group you may belong to, please reach out.  If you are not sleeping well, cannot motivate, are having panic attacks, are losing your temper too easily with family or are just struggling with the anxiety about loosening our social restriction we can help.  Call the office – we will quickly get you scheduled with your provider. 
 
Stay safe and well,
Providers and staff of Westminster Medical Clinic

CDC Information

Looking for more credible information on COVID-19? Check out the CDC fact sheets, available in English and Spanish. ​
Check out the extensive list of resources and information from the Colorado Department of Public Health!
Want some tips on best practices for grocery shopping? Click the link to learn more.
Are you looking for resources and best practices on how to talk to kids about COVID-19? Check out these articles put together by the National Association of School Psychologists and School Nurses, available in English and Spanish. ​
Wondering if you need to wear a mask? Check out this research on what a mask can do to help stop COVID-19.
Here are some evidence-based recommendations and tips on how to stay healthy while indoors.

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