An infection begins when a virus enters a cell inside your body. With COVID-19 the virus is transmitted primarily by droplets in the air, which can enter your body through your nose or lungs.
The virus then will attach to a cell, it is here where it begins to take over cells and direct cells to spread around your body. During this time your immune system begins to detect the virus and works to fight the infection. Usually with COVID-19 it takes 10-14 days for your body to develop an antibody, defense against the virus. For some with weakened immune systems or other health issues this can be an ongoing battle for weeks or months.
In fact, your immune system continues to work for 4-8 weeks after infection to remember the virus and develop an antibody, a way to fight off the infection if you are exposed again.
Right now, antibody testing is being performed around the world. This means through a blood test, your health care provider can determine whether or not you had the virus in the past. If you have had the virus you would have a positive test for the antibody. However, it is not 100% so it does not necessarily mean you are completely immune.
In fact, experts encourage that even if you take an antibody test and you are positive does not mean you should stop social distancing measures and resume normal activity.
While antibody testing is important, your greatest tools remain to:
