How to quickly check for Covid-19 symptoms at home?

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of being able to quickly and accurately check for symptoms from home. Early detection is key in preventing the spread of the virus. This article outlines methods for identifying COVID-19 symptoms at home, the use of home testing kits, and solutions offered by various companies.

Standard Symptoms of Covid-19

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the following standard symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Quick Home Check for Covid-19

To quickly check for COVID-19 symptoms at home, follow these steps:

1. Measure Body Temperature: Use a digital thermometer to check for a fever. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher may indicate a fever.
2. Monitor Respiratory Symptoms: Keep track of any persistent cough or difficulty in breathing.
3. Assess Neurological Symptoms: Be aware of any new headaches or sudden loss of taste or smell.
4. Check for Gastrointestinal Issues: Note any nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Home Tools and Kits for Testing

Several home testing kits and tools are available to assist in the detection of COVID-19:

• Rapid Antigen Tests: These provide results in approximately 15 minutes with a sensitivity range between 84% to 97%.
• PCR Home Test Kits: Offer sensitivity rates of up to 98% and can be sent to a lab for confirmation.
• Pulse Oximeters: Measure blood oxygen levels and should typically show a SpO2 level of 95% or above.

Numerical Analysis of Home Testing

A systematic review of at-home COVID-19 testing methods has yielded the following results:

• Antigen Test Accuracy: Average sensitivity around 85%, with higher sensitivity observed in symptomatic individuals.
• PCR Test Accuracy: Average sensitivity above 95%, considered the gold standard for at-home testing.
• Cost Analysis: Rapid antigen tests cost between $10-$30, while PCR kits range from $100-$150.

Company Solutions

Various companies offer solutions to enhance at-home COVID-19 symptom checking and testing:

• Abbott Laboratories: Offers the BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Antigen Self-Test, with results in 15 minutes, suitable for frequent testing.
• Everlywell: Provides an at-home collection kit for PCR testing, with lab results typically available in 24-48 hours.
• Ellume: Delivers an at-home rapid antigen test with results sent to a smartphone app within 15 minutes.
• LetsGetChecked: Offers a wide range of at-home health tests including COVID-19 home sampling kits with follow-up telehealth consultations.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of Coronavirus. Available at: [CDC Website]
• World Health Organization (WHO). Criteria for Releasing COVID-19 Patients from Isolation. Available at: [WHO Website]
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). COVID-19 Testing Basics. Available at: [FDA Website]
• Haran, J.P., et al. (2021). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Sensitivity of Antigen Tests for COVID-19. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 59(8): e02808-20.