Covid-19
- COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2 and was discovered in December 2019.
- It is very contagious and has quickly spread around the world. The U.S. currently has the highest number of cases and deaths from COVID-19.
- 93.8 million + confirmed cases in US
- 1.04 million + confirmed deaths in US
- Common symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever, cough, congestion, and shortness of breath, chills, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell.
- People who have chronic health issues or compromised immune system, can be fatal.
- The virus has mutated into prominent variants, including Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron.
Rapid Covid Test
- Detects surface protein of virus, protein can mimic other viruses (false positive)
- 15 minutes for results
- Cannot detect virus in early stages, small detection window
- Hard to detect until person is symptomatic
- Insurance does not cover rapid test
- Hard to detect until person is symptomatic
- Self-collection can be performed incorrectly
PCR Covid Test
- Detects genetic RNA of SARS-Cov2, no interference of other viruses
- 4-6 hours for results
- Detects virus in beginning stages
- Detects virus in asymptomatic people
- Insurance, Covid funding, grants cover cost of test
- Detects virus in asymptomatic but infectious person
- The Gold Standard for Covid-19 detection
