Perfect coronavirus tests do not exist, so it’s essential to understand their drawbacks. Unlike preventative measures that can stop sicknesses from spreading, tests are reactive, meaning they only show if a person is already infected. COVID tests don’t stop people from being sick. Below you’ll discover the in-depth reasons why COVID testing is pointless, along with a list of what you should do to recover from this virus.
Antigen Testing Is Not Approved for Asymptomatic People
Antigen testing looks for antigens, the structural features on the outside of the virus. This typically involves a swab from the patient’s nose or throat that is placed on a test card. Antigen testing is similar to a pregnancy test in which a negative result will display one line, and a positive result will show two. These results are available in about 10 to 15 minutes, making it a quick option for those who want to get tested, but it doesn’t mean they should. As the FDA states, “This test has been authorized for use in patients suspected of COVID-19 by their healthcare provider within seven days of symptom onset.” In other words, this test is not EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) approved for asymptomatic people.
Workplace Testing is Not Feasible
To have every employee tested daily is not a solution that is easy, feasible, or really available. Instead, there are cheaper and more simple solutions. Temperatures can be checked at the door and symptoms can be screened. The office can also stock up on masks, hand sanitizers, and cleaning wipes.
Implicit Bias
While the coronavirus does not discriminate, healthcare workers could have an implicit bias. A person’s weight, race, gender, sexual orientation, or insurance could affect the quality of care they receive. People disproportionally affected with low access to healthcare, higher poverty rates, poor housing, and food insecurities have a significantly higher risk of being affected with COVID and having worse health outcomes.
A Test Does Not Equate Recovery
The CDC updated their website on Jan 27, 2022, to state, “If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are not up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, quarantine for at least 5 days [and] take precautions until day 10. If you were exposed to COVID-19 and are up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations…[or] if you were exposed to COVID-19 and had confirmed COVID-19 within the past 90 days, you do not need to stay home unless you develop symptoms [but] take precautions until day 10.”
A patient is considered recovered from COVID ten days after the onset of symptoms. At this point, people are free to return to a normal life. This goes to show that a negative COVID test is not needed, as people will recover.
Long Hospital Stays
Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections, are infections that arise during hospital care. To be more specific, the infections are not present when the patient arrives, and they typically occur for more than 48 hours. These extra tests can result in confusion for those in the hospital with COVID and prolong their isolation from family members.
Unnecessary Vaccine Passports
A vaccine passport shows that a person has tested negative for or has been protected against certain infections. Yet, several governors, mainly Republicans, are taking action against vaccine passports. Many states have banned or do not require them for individual reasons. One popular belief is residents should not be required to show their COVID-19 vaccination status in order to receive service or enter an area.
Our Actual Solutions
If you do have COVID, stay home when needed and take precautions for 7-10 days. Since COVID is breathed in through the nose and mouth, use a prophylactic nasal spray. Using mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide could also reduce the viral load.
How The James Clinic Can Help
As you can see, testing for COVID is not necessary. At The James Clinic, we understand though if you should need a witnessed test for traveling or to have a test on hand. Simply join our clinic. Our in-office testing will provide documentation for travel and is affordable. We also offer rapid COVID tests online!