Michele Promaulayko

Back in mid-March, the coronavirus got mein a subtle sneak attack. My symptoms were not the <a id="d462607a-122b-3bb6-a19c-1454d13bc9a7" href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a31339493/coronavirus-symptoms/"> hallmarks of the COVID-19 infection </a> . There was no cough, no fever, no chills. Instead, I had moderate body aches that disrupted my sleep one night and a few days later, a blazing heachache. It wasnt until <a id="d5929bc7-083e-3ca3-ab0f-3418153c08dd" href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a31944668/covid-loss-of-taste-and-smell-symptoms/"> I lost my sense of smell </a> a late-breaking (and now telltale) sign of the virusthat I thought, Uh oh.

I live in New York City, the infamous epicenter of the novel coronavirus in the U.S., but where diagnostic tests are in maddeningly short supply. The full scope of that shortage has yet to come into full view: <a id="5b0c30b9-f1c8-3704-a891-5a14fa1c527b" href="https://covidtracking.com/data"> The Covid Tracking Project </a> measures how many people have been tested nationally, but there is no way to count the total number of people who wanted or needed tests, but couldnt get them.

All we know is that the number of people who have been sick has likely been vastly undercounted. In fact, <a id="c8b32381-b8f7-3399-a1b5-4849d699d4fd" href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.04.01.20050542v2"> one study </a> that has yet to be peer-reviewed, estimates that the US may have at least 100 times the number of COVID-19 cases than have been accounted for. And judging by <a id="feae2844-d9ba-3787-ad9c-c4bbe7b9d41c" href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.11.20021493v2.full.pdf"> preliminary research </a> from China that suggests a 30 percent chance of a false negative result, diagnostic tests may not always be accurate, even when you can get your hands on one.

So, I followed the <a id="5d1e920e-3aee-36b3-a565-946295128f94" href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a31708006/shelter-in-place-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/"> directive to #stayathome </a> and not visit an emergency room, given that I dont have any underlying conditions and Im not in a high-risk group. There, I rode out the relatively mild discomfort in isolation. (To be honest, my biggest battle was with the low-key dread that the symptoms would get worse.) Gratefully, they didnt and 10 days later, I felt pretty much back to normal.

<h1> Are antibody tests the answer to the COVID-19 pandemic? </h1>

Now, many weeks into the pandemic, talk has turned to a different kind of testone that looks for antibodies that indicate youve had the COVID-19 virus (the clinical name for which is SARS-CoV-2). I, for one, was anxious to know.

So when I heard through a friend that a medical practice in New Jersey was facilitating testing, I made an appointment and drove myself out there in search of peace of mind. I received a serologic test, requiring a simple, speedy blood draw. The lab fee cost $149, and was not covered by my insurance. The results came back a few days later positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

I went over the results with Dr. AnnaLisa Pastore, MD, founder of <a id="09b900f8-3e0a-33f5-a783-8413dc01109a" href="http://www.chi-medicine.com/about.php"> Chi Medicine </a> , who ordered the test, and she broke down the different markers for me: The igM antibodies are the acute ones that are produced when you first get sick, the igG antibodies are the memory antibodies that will potentially provide longer-term immunity, and the igA antibodies are ones that live in the mucosal membranes of the gut and respiratory tract, explained Dr. Pastore. I was positive for all three markers.

But theres so much more to unpack when it comes to these nascent tests.

<h1> What can you learn from a COVID-19 antibody test? </h1>

For starters, an antibody test should (operative word) conclusively tell you if you have or havent had COVID-19, based on whether antibodies are present. (You develop them within a week to 20 days of being infected, so testing too early can result in a false negative.)

Knowing whether you have antibodies can help identify those who have potentially developed immunity and can return to work as well as those who dont have antibodies who might be susceptible to infection and/or need a vaccine, says Hari Krishnamurthy, a lead scientist for <a id="72b7f280-1550-3893-af2b-ec836ca4d28b" href="https://www.vibrant-america.com/"> Vibrant America </a> , the science and technology company that developed the test I was given.

Dr. Pastore notes that antibody tests could also help inform when its appropriate to integrate back into public life. (Dozens of public health experts have gone on record saying that accurate, large-scale testing is necessary before we can <a id="a08471bd-89b0-3f43-a33c-0a1ac07dff42" href="https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a32162300/when-will-social-distancing-end-coronavirus/"> end the national quarantine period </a> ).

Dr. Pastore also believes there could be a psychological benefit to getting tested, particularly for those who have recovered well. Knowing youve successfully fought the infection can alleviate fear and give you more confidence in your immune systems ability to function, says Dr. Pastore.

<h1> Can antibodies unlock the key to a vaccine or treatments for COVID-19? </h1>

<a id="c1932ddb-7a5c-391b-ad25-1596e0af3851" href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-donations-from-recovered-covid-19-patients.html"> The American Red Cross has partnered with the FDA </a> to evaluate whether the plasma of people who have recovered from COVID-19 is an effective treatment for those suffering from severe infections, or for those who are at risk for progressing to a life-threatening condition. (Back in late March, a <a id="9f2e6b01-7afe-3e0f-a819-1095ff21ccd1" href="https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/article/Houston-Methodist-first-in-the-nation-to-try-15164229.php"> hospital in Houston </a> became the first to use a blood transfusion to treat a critically ill patient, but doing so is still an experimental therapy.)

Aside from providing confirmation of infection, antibody testing could be useful for identifying potential plasma donors.

Other therapeutics and targeted medications are in development and some of them harness <a id="6ee4170c-dc17-3c40-a2aa-3cb20a83ffd8" href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/biotech-pioneer-amgen-joins-hunt-for-coronavirus-drug-11585825203"> the use of antibodies </a> to attack the virus. But experts say that coming up with an effective one-size-fits all treatment may be out of reach, particularly because scientists dont yet fully understand how genetics and other factors play into the wide spectrum of outcomes were seeingfrom asymptomatic and mild cases to severe respiratory disease and death.

Its also important to know which combination and concentration of antibodies could trigger the <a id="d334f489-a656-3fcc-a84d-099bda89fd21" href="https://www.newscientist.com/term/cytokine-storm/"> cytokine storm </a> (an over reaction of the immune system) that can kick-off a devastating inflammatory response in certain people.

As for a vaccine, there are <a id="5f4ecf8d-9f14-306d-ae2b-8046c4044b1e" href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41573-020-00073-5"> over 100 COVID-19 vaccines </a> in development and there are likely to be a handful that make it to market. But that is probably a year away and the process is fraught with guesswork.

One aspect of the COVID-19 virus that is being monitored closely is its mutability and how that will impact <a id="497a1575-0b92-318f-ace2-9f80f3b5a809" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/16/opinion/coronavirus-mutations-vaccine-covid.html"> the development of a successful vaccine </a> . (So far, this virus has reportedly mutated eight times.) How well antibodies interact or bind to these mutations determine how often a vaccine needs to be updated, from never (like the measles vaccine) to annually (like the seasonal flu vaccine).

<h1> How accurate are the antibody tests and where can I get one? </h1>

In general, the thinking is that antibody tests will be much more widely available than the coronavirus diagnostic testsbut were not there yet. A number of <a id="2c864812-1e28-36a8-a06a-1846dc0811aa" href="https://www.finddx.org/covid-19/pipeline/"> serologic antibody tests </a> are in development around the globe. <a id="3b96adf8-216a-37a7-a1da-8db03b05f3a7" href="https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/resources/COVID-19/serology/Serology-based-tests-for-COVID-19.html#sec2"> The FDA approved </a> several tests, but also issued guidance allowing antibody tests to be manufactured and distributed without authorizations.

In the wake of those loosened regulations, more than 90 companies informed the FDA that they were selling antibody testswithout submitting validation data that shows they actually work. And many seem to be plagued with issues.

Case in point: British officials paid $2 million for two different <a id="fef9902b-f8f6-3b8d-a965-4704014916c3" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/16/world/europe/coronavirus-antibody-test-uk.html?referringSource=articleShare"> antibody kits </a> that didnt work. One complicating factor: Some of the tests may not be specific enough to the new COVID-19 coronavirus and instead may pick up a signal from antibodies made in response to infections from former coronaviruses that cause common colds. Whats really troubling is that false positives could lull us into thinking were in the clearwhen were not.

It is also unclear whether health insurance will eventually cover antibody testing.

<h1> Does having antibodies mean you have immunity? </h1>

If you have the antibodies it means you have mounted an immune response to the virus, states Jayaraman. People who have resolved the symptoms of the infection and have an antibody response are likely immune to the infection, but more studies are needed.

Epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist <a id="186bcda6-0a92-3357-a33a-dad432dc1aab" href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/marc-lipsitch/"> Marc Lipsitch </a> , wrote an <a id="02330890-1d18-3a09-a6f5-61a357a19494" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/13/opinion/coronavirus-immunity.html"> op-ed </a> for the New York Times, theorizing that after being infected with SARS-CoV-2, most individuals will have an immune response, some better than others. That response, it may be assumed, will offer some protection over the medium-termat least a yearand then its effectiveness might decline.

Another thing to determine: Whether mild symptoms equate to mild immunity, meaning if you didnt get really sick then your antibody (and therefore, immune) response may be weaker, while still being protective against a severe secondary infection. So many questions!

The big hope is that SARS-CoV-2 will act like viruses such as chickenpox and that antibodies will trigger life-long immunity. In that case, <a id="d4a856ac-e6b2-34da-a328-e2f11a4db1b7" href="https://apic.org/monthly_alerts/herd-immunity/"> herd immunity </a> would stomp out the spreading, and (coupled with vaccination) eventually end the disease itself.

<h1> Will antibody testing end social distancing? </h1>

The most pressing question on everyones mind: When can we get back to normal? Or at least a new normal. As reported by CNN, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb cited antibody testing as a crucial part of reopening the country in <a id="27085246-194e-340e-a18b-a3f213397456" href="https://healthpolicy.duke.edu/sites/default/files/atoms/files/covid-19_surveillance_roadmap_final.pdf"> an action plan </a> he helped devise. And Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the infectious disease expert seen at White House briefings, has floated the idea of certificates of immunity or so-called immunity passports as a way to phase out the lockdown.

At the risk of stating the obvious, I know how lucky I am that I was able to locate a testing location thanks to a referral from a health practitioner friend, that I own a car and was able to drive myself there, and that I could afford to pay the lab fee to process the test. It wasnt about jumping to the front of any lines as much as it was about discovering the ability to get the test and pursuing itboth for my own curiosity and to inform this article.

Since receiving the test, I havent changed my behavior: I still practice social distancing, wear a mask out in public, and try to do as many things as I can to boost my immunity. As Dr. Pastore says: Whenever you get information, its about how you use it. The goal is to be empowered to make better decisionsfor yourself, but also in the best interest of those around you.

Will Antibody Tests Help End The Novel Coronavirus Pandemic? Experts Weigh In

In my new book, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Free-Simple-21-Day-Effortless/dp/1940358418/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=sugar+free+3&amp;qid=1578928940&amp;sr=8-3&amp;tag=goodhousekeeping_auto-append-20&amp;ascsubtag=[artid|10055.a.30498001[src|[ch|[lt|" id="88913ed8-7e3d-31a0-aaeb-da551ee5c747"> Sugar Free 3 </a> , I worked with top experts to create a simple 3-week program and a companion <a href="https://www.openfit.com/sugar-free-3?utm_source=SF3&amp;utm_medium=AMB&amp;utm_campaign=michprom&amp;utm_content=SF3&amp;clickid=RNh2L8w1NxyOUGjwUx0Mo38SUknVV4VT3Tvoys0&amp;irgwc=1" id="f8197909-b414-39c1-a58c-4e4567174e71"> series of videos </a> I did on the Openfit app to explain whats going on and help you eliminate added sugars, refined carbs and artificial sweetenersand deal with sugar cravings. (And I mean simple; we created three ways to do the program, depending on whether you like to cook, are willing to cook, or dont cook at all.) One of the biggest takeaways I got during my three weeks: Just because youre having a craving or want something sweet doesnt mean you have to eat sugaror even pop a sugar replacement, such as a piece of fruiton impulse.

You can fortify your resistance to sugar cravings by <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/a28277408/giving-up-all-sugar/" id="dec3dcfa-d9a1-32d6-adeb-51aefaacd298"> understanding whats really going on </a> . Sometimes the source of cravings can be uncovered if you take a closer look at what youre eating and when. Factors to address include:

If youre having afternoon sugar cravings, work an afternoon snack into your routine. Try guacamole with cucumber chips, whipped ricotta with roasted cherries, or even hard-boiled eggs with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trader-Joes-Everything-Sesame-Seasoning/dp/B06W9N8X9H/ref=asc_df_B06W9N8X9H/?tag=hyprod-20&amp;linkCode=df0&amp;hvadid=312087953268&amp;hvpos=&amp;hvnetw=g&amp;hvrand=15683393952081283617&amp;hvpone=&amp;hvptwo=&amp;hvqmt=&amp;hvdev=c&amp;hvdvcmdl=&amp;hvlocint=&amp;hvlocphy=9067609&amp;hvtargid=pla-521192655750&amp;psc=1" id="2a1edd72-2fc7-373b-a4ee-f076a29e839f"> Everything but the Bagel </a> seasoning.

This may require some work, but its important to plan your eating cadence ahead of time. This can help prevent you from getting too hungry during the day, which leads to voracious munching and overeating.

I personally eat breakfast in the morning, lunch at lunchtime, etc. If you feel tired or cravings are hitting, identify times of the day. For example, after a few days of observation, you might conclude that around 3 PM every day, your energy is depleted, you crave sugar, and you feel extremely hungry. This might be a signal to add a protein-filled snack at this time of day to power throughmaybe a shake, or two <a href="https://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/g19523087/ways-to-peel-hard-boiled-egg/" id="1f96206f-d3f5-36ed-a255-4d4d2f3d5bae"> hard-boiled eggs </a> , or a handful of nuts, or have some apple slices with peanut butter. Not only will this make you feel better instantly, it also sets you ups for a better evening, and fewer cravings around bedtime.

Its possible to get stuck in an eating rut, eating the same simple meals every day because you know theyre safe. But as they say, variety is the spice of lifeand spice is a savior when youre swapping out sugar. Some of the best unique flavors are derived from easily accessible spices that dont contain any added sugar.

If youre eating a salad with grilled chicken and its totally unsatisfying, youre going to crave a sweet more in the afternoon as opposed to if you enjoyed a healthy taco salad that might be really satisfying. Work harder to figure out what you love so youre satisfied in generalso you dont feel deprived. I try to keep it simple and pick two go-to breakfasts, two go-to lunches, and two go-to dinners each week so I can stay consistent.

Explore new recipes, try some new fruits and vegetables youve never even heard of, or combine different ingredients to create new dishes. By switching up what youre eating from day to day, you. might find a new delicious dish that gets you excited about Tuesday nights dinner.

6 Ways to Stop Sugar Cravings Before They Start

When youre aiming to give up added sugars, cravings can be strong. Sweet foods are tempting us at every turn, and for many of us, consuming those foods is a longtime habit that we associate with comfort or celebration. And its not always helping our energy, health and lifespan.

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Michele Promaulayko

Articles written by the author

Will Antibody Tests Help End The Novel Coronavirus Pandemic? Experts Weigh In

6 Ways to Stop Sugar Cravings Before They Start

6 Ways to Stop Sugar Cravings Before They Start