Rapid Antibody Multitest

Formerly, known as the ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV.’ The COVID-19 virus is linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of the common cold.

For most of us, COVID-19 causes only a mild illness; for others, it can make them very ill and sometimes cause death. Senior people and those with pre-existing medical conditions (like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) appear to be more vulnerable.

COVID-19 affects different people in various ways. Most of those only develop mild to moderate symptoms and recover without hospitalisation.

Most common symptoms are:

• Dry cough
• Fever
• Fatigue and tiredness

Less common symptoms are:

• Headaches
• Sore throats
• Diarrhoea
• Aches and pains
• Conjunctivitis
• Rashes on the skin
• Loss of taste or smell

You can protect yourself and others by taking appropriate precautions advised by your local, state or governmental health authorities. 

To prevent COVID-19 from spreading: 

• Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth using your bent elbow or a tissue if you need to cough or sneeze.
• Maintain a 2-metre distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible.
• Always stay home if you feel unwell.
• If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, always seek medical attention.

Calling in advance allows your healthcare provider to direct you to the right health facility quickly. This protects you and prevents the spread of viruses and other infections.

Masks

Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. It should be noted that masks alone do not protect against COVID-19 and should be combined with physical distancing and excellent hand hygiene. Always follow the advice provided by your local health authority.

To date, there are no medicines, treatments or vaccines for COVID-19. New treatments and vaccines are being tested through clinical trials. 

Self-care

If you feel sick, you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.

It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counsellor.

Medical treatments

If you have mild symptoms and are otherwise healthy, self-isolate and contact your medical provider or a COVID-19 information line for advice.

Seek medical care if you have a fever, a cough, and difficulty breathing. Call in advance.

Many countries are simultaneously testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at either population-level or testing specific groups, like health workers, close contacts of known cases, or within households. The WHO supports these studies, as they are critical for understanding the extent of – and risk factors associated with – infection.

Two kinds of COVID-19 tests are available: viral tests and antibody tests.

• A viral test detects if you have a present infection.
• An antibody test might identify if you had a past infection, but not necessarily a current detection. Having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 may protect you from getting infected again with the virus. 

To determine if you have an infection, viral tests are used. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms are getting worse or if you have questions about your health.​​

• Decisions about testing are made by state or local health departments or healthcare providers. You can visit their websites to look for the latest local information on testing.
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are not checked, it is important to stay home. 
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and are not checked, it is important to stay home.

If you test positive, then you should isolate yourself. The people you have been in close contact with up to 2 days before you developed symptoms should be contacted and advised to seek a test too if they show signs of COVID-19.

The WHO also advises that all confirmed cases should be isolated in health facilities to prevent transmission and adequate care provided if countries can do this.

Healthcare professionals always do COVID-19 tests. They are not designed to be used by people in their homes as they may give results that need to be interpreted by a trained and qualified healthcare professional.

Some tests are undertaken in a laboratory by specialist staff using specialist equipment. Other examinations require less equipment, are easier to use and can be performed by a fully trained and qualified healthcare professional. 

A COVID-19 test that has a valid CE mark can be sold to members of the public and used by them privately.

Selfdiagnostics Deutschland SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG Antibody Assay Kit is one test that is permitted to be resold globally.