AVENTURA, Fla. – As COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to climb, many are wondering whether the shot has done its duty to arm the immune system against infection.
However, health experts say the blood test used to check for antibodies after an actual infection from the coronavirus will not detect antibodies following vaccination against COVID-19.
For that, cardiologist Dr. Leonard Pianko says people need to undergo what’s called a “spike test.”
“So basically we’re looking at two things. The conventional antibody test tests simply if someone had coronavirus, the spike test is made uniquely to see if they have an immune response to the spike antibody in the vaccine,” Pianko said.
The spike protein test is now available in most specialty labs but it has to be specifically requested by your doctor.
Fish oil vs. cholesterol
A new review in the Journal Pharmacy and Therapeutics raises questions about the benefits of fish oil supplements when it comes to lowering cholesterol.
While fish oil can raise levels of HDL, or good cholesterol, in the body, one study showed it also raised LDL, or bad cholesterol.
Because of the conflicting evidence, some researchers say it might be best for those concerned about their LDL levels to look for other ways to lower it.