Ok, y’all. There’s still lots of confusion about what coronavirus test results DO & DON'T mean. No shame ... pandemic life is weird & it’s hard to stay on top of stuff, but we have ya covered.
Let’s Break It Down: A Testing Thread™️ (1/10) #NPRShortWave npr.org/2020/10/06/920…
Let’s Break It Down: A Testing Thread™️ (1/10) #NPRShortWave npr.org/2020/10/06/920…
A) Tests are v important, but what we’re seeing unfold right now, especially w/ the Trump Admin outbreak, also shows their limitations. Tests aren’t some kind of magical force field. And tests alone won’t stop the spread of the virus. (2/10) npr.org/sections/lates…
B) When it comes to both PCR tests (the ones that are the most accurate, but take some time to process) and antigen tests (the rapid ones), WHEN you take the test is SUPER important. Here's why: (3/10)
C) After being exposed, you don’t test positive immediately. It takes a while for the virus to replicate and make enough of itself that it is actually detectable. (4/10) npr.org/sections/healt…
D) So let’s say you are infected on Monday. We’ll call that day 1. On day 2, the day after exposure, there is a tremendously high probability of you testing negative. Meaning, the test says you’re negative for the virus even though you’ve been infected.
E) This is one reason that people can test negative for days before finally testing positive. For example, it could be why the White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, tested negative for days and then tested positive. npr.org/sections/lates…
F) This tricky lag is why if you are ever exposed to someone you know HAS coronavirus you NEED to quarantine for 14 days to be sure you aren’t sick & aren’t getting others sick. Testing negative a few days after exposure is NOT enough to know you haven’t been infected. (7/10)
G) On top of that, just because you test negative today, doesn’t mean you won’t catch the virus right after you get tested. The test is a snapshot of a moment in time.
H) That said, even with all of these limits, testing IS essential. To spot people who catch the virus ASAP, prevent spread to others & track down & test anyone else who might have gotten infected by them. That’s how we stop outbreaks before they start. npr.org/2020/04/16/836…
I) It’s just not a magic bullet. It’s PART of the strategy for addressing the virus. A key part, but just 1part. Masks. Staying 6 feet away from other folks. Being outside rather than inside when socializing. All of those things TOGETHER are what will make a difference. (10/10)
AND A BIG FREAKING HAT TIP TO @robsteinnews & @maddie_sofia for all of this reporting. Y'all rock. Go science! (11/10) npr.org/2020/10/06/920…
If this was helpful for you, you'll find LOTS more interesting and easy to understand science stuff (including coronavirus coverage) on the #NPRShortWave podcast. Check it out here ... or wherever you podcast: npr.org/podcasts/51035…
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