I just signed up to donate my plasma. This is a story I’ve shared with only a few people close to me, but sharing more publicly now that I’ve had the above result back (SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody positive).
A couple of weeks before we knew that COVID-19 was so prevalent among us or testing was even available, I developed some symptoms of a dry cough and sore throat. 2-3 days later I felt more unwell and had some body aches. I took a couple of days off work (which is very rare for me), started to feel better, and then about 3-4 days later, again felt not quite myself. Fortunately, I had a few days off anyway and could just recover at my own speed. The whole thing lasted about 10 days before I was back to 100 percent, but the dry cough lingered a bit longer.
Although I could not get tested when I was sick, I have had my suspicions ever since that it was coronavirus. Based on the fact that I rarely take time off work and that it was really strange the way I got better for days mid way through, and then again felt worse. Never happened to me before. And the cough—so weird, persistent, and not a single drop of phlegm.
To be honest, on a scale 1-10 of the worst viral illness I may have ever had since I was a child, this was probably a 4 or 5. Barring 2 days in the middle, I was still able to exercise. However, one thing we do know is that COVID-19 affects people very differently, from no symptoms at all, to mild symptoms (me), to being hospitalized or on the ICU ventilated.
A point of caution: no current antibody test is 100% sensitive. I am just putting 2 and 2 together, with my classic symptoms and the fact that I live in the city, use the subway, and travel a lot too. Not to mention that I am a doctor, being exposed to lots of patients.
Most of us who work in medicine, have come to the realization that this virus has been spreading like wildfire since December all over the world. In January and February, lots of our patients likely had it—and we just didn’t know. I encourage anybody, especially a healthcare worker or anyone living in a densely populated area, to consider IgG antibody testing. And if positive, a plasma donation too!
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Dear Suneel,
Good point.
Thanks for sharing and be well.
Cornel.
Appreciate that Cornel. You stay safe too. Suneel
Thanks very much. In February a teacher of mine in India had these symptoms and her mother and she were both hospitalised for a day as they had trouble breathing. At that time no one was testing for covid. They had just finished with a wedding at home. They had some medicines to get past the wedding events. The first case that was officially detected in our city a couple of weeks later was in their immediate neighbourhood. Her father was affected too but wasn’t hospitalised. They still haven’t got these tests done but I suspect this has been around for a few more weeks than we suspect.
Hi Suneel,
Good to hear you’ve recovered and, hopefully, the antibodies in your system remain there permanently, although, research suggests this remains to be seen!
I read, with great interest, one of your other postings regarding the “wet markets” commonly found in Asia. I couldn’t agree with you more regarding the closure of these markets.
And, of course, much blame has been slung back and forth between China and the US regarding the origins of this pandemic. I fully concur that the outbreak be fully investigated by an international body of qualified experts once the pandemic is either terminated or in control via either a vaccine or treatment protocol.
In the meantime, I don’t see much value in finger pointing and childish behaviours between the so-called leaders of these two countries.
But, it’s vitally important that we should ALL follow the advice of qualified medical professionals, health officials, and research scientists with a vested interest in conquering the pandemic as opposed to some other “so-called experts” with their own financial and power agendas!
Keep healthy and safe being on the front lines!
Cheers!
Thanks David for reading. Yes indeed, we have to separate the politics and those with vested interests. I had read previously about the horrific “wet markets” and how other scientific authorities had warned for years that they were ripe for infection transmission. Really hope it doesn’t happen again if they stay open. Regards, Suneel
Dear Becareful while your duty, and carry on your work for humanity.
Advocate Rajesh Khanna
Dear bro
Be careful while your work. Safely rendering your services.
sonu
Thank you Sonu 🙂