Some gave comments that the case fatality rate (CFR) used to calculate the percent of infected individuals in yesterday’s post is too low The CFR, which was initially thought to be very high (two people dying for every 100 people infected or 2.0%) has dropped as testing for the virus becomes more widespread. With theContinue reading “Feedback on “Moses” Post”
Category Archives: Testing
Will you need a blood test to go back to work?
There was a front-page article in the New York Times today how Italy may be using antibody testing to verify people who can go back to work. The article told how Italy is following Germany in using a blood test that identifies antibodies (immune proteins) specific for COVID-19 as a way to clear individuals toContinue reading “Will you need a blood test to go back to work?”
The WSJ on board with antibody testing.
Happy that WSJ has supported antibody testing for COVID-19. Important to moving forward. Look to Germany for a way forward. JB
Important Updates on Antibody testing and How COVID-19 Came to the USA.
Updates on topics this blog’s author thinks are important Antibody testing for COVID-19. Antibodies are proteins in the blood that document that someone has been exposed to the COVID–19 virus and has developed immunity. This is important because tests for COVID-19 antibodies identify all people who been exposed to the virus, not just people whoContinue reading “Important Updates on Antibody testing and How COVID-19 Came to the USA.”
The Time for Viral Testing is Over: Why are there Variations in Death Rates in Different Countries
Executive summary Rates of infection and death with coronavirus (COVID-19) appear very different in different countries. The reasons for this have been hotly debated. Many pundits have suggested that inadequate virus testing has been responsible due to inadequate isolation of infected individuals. Data now show that these differences may relate to who in the populationContinue reading “The Time for Viral Testing is Over: Why are there Variations in Death Rates in Different Countries”
It’s Time: How to self-diagnose a coronavirus infection. What to do if you think you're infected.
Executive Summary Coronavirus infections need to be self diagnosed This can be done by identifying a number of characteristic symptoms Individuals who suspect they are infected should contact their physician and not go to an emergency room or hospital Anyone with suspected coronavirus infection should self-isolate for 14 days regardless of whether they have hadContinue reading “It’s Time: How to self-diagnose a coronavirus infection. What to do if you think you're infected.”
Issues with Testing for COVID-19
Executive Summary Testing for COVID-19 involves examining secretions from the nose and mouth for genetic material from the virus using a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It is very effective at identifying who is actively shedding virus and thus can infect others. It will not identify who has been infected, who is infected butContinue reading “Issues with Testing for COVID-19”
Covid-19 Testing vs. Social Distancing
A lot has been said about testing for COVID-19. Many people have suggested that we have been late in getting mass testing started. In fact, even without a test we did the prudent tasks of social distancing and essentially instituting a quarantine on anyone from affected areas (travel ban from Asia). It is always betterContinue reading “Covid-19 Testing vs. Social Distancing”
Pandemic Pondering 