KZN is currently in the height of the third wave of Covid-19 infections, with King Cetshwayo District recording the second-highest rate of new infections provincially, just behind eThekwini.
KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said there were more than 1100 new school infections provincially, with the third wave largely driven by school infections.
A growing concern, which may be contributing to the unchecked spread of disease, is the use of incorrect tests to accurately test for Covid-19.
Although free tests are available at public health facilities, the cost of private testing might dissuade potentially infected individuals.
Acting CEO of Queen Nandi Regional Hospital, Menitha Samjowan had this to say: ‘There are many health establishments such as clinics where antibody tests are being used to diagnose current infections. This practice is incorrect.
‘A new infection will not cause someone to develop antibodies, meaning the test will return negative, lulling the person into a false sense of security with them thinking they are not carrying the virus.
‘This is dangerous as it can lead to unchecked spread of disease.’
There are currently three types of tests available for Covid-19 testing.
PCR and antigen tests check for current Covid-19 infection, while the antibody test will indicate if a person has had Covid-19 in the past.
• PCR This is a nasal or oral swab with results taking around two days to show. This is considered the most reliable of the testing options.
• Antigen This is also a nasal or oral swab but will give results a lot quicker, with results available within an hour or so.
However, these are less reliable and a negative result should be followed up with a PCR test if you are displaying Covid-19 symptoms and have come into contact with someone who was definitely positive.
• Antibody This is a serology test (finger prick) and won’t tell if a person is newly-infected with Covid-19, rather if the blood has antibodies meaning the individual has recovered from a Covid-19 infection previously.
Antibodies only develop two to four weeks after a Covid-19 infection.
