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Published on: Jul 09, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rakesh Choudhary

COVID- 19 Tests – What Do You Need To Know?

COVID- 19 tests – What do you need to know?

Author: Dr. Rakesh Choudhary MBBS, MS, FRCS UK, FRCS Orth UK, MChOrth UK.

Dr. Choudhary is a practicing consultant surgeon in the UK.

So many of us think it is not their job to learn about COVID-19 tests and this should be left for the experts and governments to decide about these tests. But I strongly suggest the public must have a basic understanding of these tests which they may have to have themselves.

Basically there are two types of tests, one which can detect the virus in the body and the other one which tells if the person had the previous infection.

Virus test

The virus test detects an active infection. It detects the genetic material (RNA) of the virus during an active infection. It is also called a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or nucleic acid test and is sometimes inaccurately called an antigen test.

A swab is taken from deep in the back of your throat and deep in the nose. The swab should go deep up to 7-8 cm and is generally uncomfortable for the patient. Swabbing patients using the correct technique is paramount in ensuring an accurate result. By simply swabbing the inside of the nasal passage is not deep enough to verify that the virus is present.

What does virus testing tell you?

This test tells us if a patient is actively infected with the COVID-19 virus. Virus testing is used mainly for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

When should it be done?

The virus test works best during the first seven days of symptoms.

The coronavirus can be detected in swabs even before symptoms of illness first appear . This is why people can be infectious for a few days before the onset of symptoms, which usually appear about 5 days after the virus infects. Some people have no symptoms throughout their infection but are positive on the virus test and infectious to others. After a few days of illness, the concentration of the virus falls (as seen in swab samples) and the symptoms of the illness usually recede.

Accuracy of the test

In a person with COVID-19, the test is less likely to give a positive result late in the course of infection once the virus has been cleared by the immune system, or if an inadequate sample is taken from the nose or throat. There are concerns that the rate of ‘false negative’ test results could be as high as 30% and a significant number of people are wrongly being told they do not have the virus.

Antibody test

Antibody tests check your blood by looking for antibodies, which may tell you if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. Antibodies are protein structures that are produced by the immune system in response to certain infections. The antibody can help fight off infections and can provide protection against getting that disease again (immunity). Antibodies are disease-specific. For example, measles antibodies will protect you from getting measles if you are exposed to it.

The antibody test detects the presence of antibodies as a marker of past infection. The antibody test (blood test) will only detect infections after the immune system has produced antibodies that recognize the virus. This happens approximately 7–10 days after symptoms develop.

Tests carried out a week after a patient develops symptoms will detect only 30% of people who had COVID-19 infection. Accuracy increases to 72% at two weeks and to 94% in the third week. Some people may take even longer to develop antibodies, and some people who are infected may not ever develop antibodies.

Interpretation of the antibody test is complex for non-medical people. Basically having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 may provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. If it does, we do not know how much protection the antibodies may provide or how long this protection may last.

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How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon

Monsoon brings relief from the heat—but along with cool breezes and rains come increased chances of infections, especially food poisoning. The high moisture in the air creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making food more likely to spoil and cause illness.

In this article, we’ll help you understand how to stay safe with easy, practical tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

Why Is Food Poisoning So Common in Monsoon?

The damp and humid conditions during the rainy season promote bacterial and fungal growth. This contamination can easily affect the food we eat and the water we drink.

Common causes of food poisoning in monsoon include:

Eating contaminated street food
Drinking unfiltered or untreated water
Improper storage or refrigeration
Eating undercooked or reheated leftovers

Symptoms can range from mild stomach pain to vomiting, diarrhea, and fever—and can become serious if not treated on time.

How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Monsoon: Easy Tips

Let’s go step by step into what you should do (and not do) during this season to avoid foodborne illness:

1. Avoid Street Food and Raw Salads

Street vendors often use unclean water and keep food exposed to dust, flies, and pollution. In monsoon, this risk becomes even higher.

What to avoid:

Chaat, golgappas, sandwiches from carts
Cut fruits or raw vegetables sold outside
Juices from roadside stalls

Instead, eat home-cooked meals where you can control the hygiene.

2. Drink Only Boiled or Purified Water

Unfiltered water is a major cause of stomach infections during monsoon. Make sure your drinking water is:

Boiled for 10 minutes, or
Filtered using a RO/UV purifier, or
Packaged from a trusted brand

Avoid consuming water-based drinks like sherbets or ice made with unclean water.

3. Eat Fresh and Hot Food

In monsoon, bacteria multiply quickly. Avoid eating food that has been left out for hours.

Tips:

Eat freshly cooked meals while still warm
Avoid reheating food multiple times
Don't leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours

4. Refrigerate Perishables Quickly

Your fridge is your best friend in this season—but only if you use it right.

Refrigeration tips:

Store cooked food in airtight containers
Don't keep raw meat and vegetables together
Use leftovers within 24 hours
Check for expired or spoiled food regularly

5. Clean Fruits and Vegetables Properly

Rainwater often brings mud and germs to fresh produce. Even greens from the market can carry bacteria and insect eggs.

Cleaning tips:

Wash produce thoroughly with clean water
Use salt water or vinegar soak for 10–15 minutes to disinfect
Peel fruits like mangoes and bananas before eating
Avoid leafy vegetables that are difficult to clean, like spinach and lettuce

6. Practice Good Kitchen Hygiene

Contamination often starts in your kitchen.

Hygiene habits to follow:

Wash hands before and after handling food
Keep utensils and chopping boards dry and clean
Don't let water collect on kitchen surfaces
Wash dish cloths and sponges regularly

Related Health Checkups to Consider

If you're experiencing stomach problems or want to monitor your digestive health during monsoon, these lab tests (available via SecondMedic powered by Thyrocare) may help:

???? Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Checks for infections or inflammation.

???? Stool Routine & Culture Test

Detects bacterial infections, parasites, or digestive disorders.

???? CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein)

Shows whether your body is fighting an infection.

???? Food Intolerance Test

For people with recurring food-related digestive issues.

All tests come with home sample collection and online report access at www.secondmedic.com.

Foods You Can Eat During Monsoon

Here are some healthy, safe food choices during the rainy season:

Warm soups and khichdi – light and easy to digest
Steamed vegetables – safer than raw
Ginger tea – helps digestion
Turmeric milk – natural immunity booster
Boiled eggs or well-cooked lean meat

Avoid oily, uncooked, or refrigerated food that’s more than a day old.

Conclusion

Monsoon brings beauty, but also bacteria. Staying safe is all about being smart with your food and water. By following simple hygiene rules and eating fresh, clean food, you can enjoy the season without worrying about stomach issues.

Be alert, eat smart, and protect your family by following these tips on how to prevent food poisoning in monsoon.

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