COVID-19 self-test for COVID-19

At present, research into the molecular causes of the Wuhan coronaviruses has largely been focused on the structural genes. A recent study from 2019 has shown that the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and nucleoprotein depend on the same host cellular machinery and it is possible that the coronaviruses interact with these proteins at multiple points in viral replication. It remains to be seen whether this is a specific feature of coronaviruses, or if it offers clues or further avenues for development of new therapeutic strategies. We are in a critical moment in ensuring our populations’ and our societies’ wellbeing.

As with other diseases, there are several clinical signs that warrant a thorough diagnostic assessment. Clinicians should also seek to examine patients' family history to confirm or exclude inherited or autoimmune disorders that might predispose to serious infection.

Symptoms of acute cough, sore throat, conjunctivitis and conjunctive haemorrhage are described in most patient reports and thus should be considered possible non-specific diagnoses. Most patients experience flu-like symptoms like headache, myalgia, fever, fatigue and muscle tenderness. Older patients with pre-existing comorbidities exhibit more severe symptoms and a longer period of hospitalization, which could contribute to increased morbidity and mortality.

Covid-19 can be cured. This was demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. This suggests that future research needs to examine whether treatment for other respiratory viruses can also be effective, potentially leading to vaccines or antiviral drugs against covid-19.

The current situation with regard to treatment and management is unpredictable. Some treatments are being developed which might benefit patients. Many people who catch the virus do well, with only short and mild symptoms. However, some patients may present with more severe forms of illness and/or complications (e.g. pneumonia). A high priority for treatment and research continues to control the disease and prevent related complications. It is hoped, but yet to be proven, that the new treatment approaches might be helpful.

Approximately 26 million Americans have contracted COVID-19 at one point in time, with the median case reported as 2.0. This makes up 6.2% of American citizens.

The age of average people infected with the coronavirus is not well specified. The average adult-aged population (AAP) for England is 66.9 years old (2015). As the number of reported cases will increase, the estimated 'average age' will also increase. Based on the current data available, the average age of people infected with the coronavirus is likely to be between [52.5 years old (range: 31-77 years old)](https://www.cdc.gov/health/coronavirus2019/index_estimate.

The overall feasibility, accuracy and acceptance of the results for this [covid-19 self-test protocol were assessed here for first time using the STRIPeD process and its scoring approach. The new self-test protocol was found to be accurate, with low false positive rate, good feasibility in a clinical setting, acceptability of results to patients and was also found to be cost effective with low costs of the disposable self-test kits.

The evidence points to the main cause of infection being a person who is infected with another virus or a yeast. It has now been recognised as a virus, but this is the first occasion on which a virus has been confirmed as the main cause of disease. The virus has evolved to be an effective, highly contagious and very dangerous pathogen and it is the first time in recorded history of a virus being the causative agent of the majority of disease. There is now a strong argument that the virus has been 'hijacked' by the immune system by the host and is now the real cause of disease in the human population.

Recent findings suggest that covid-19 self-testing with the covid-19 self-test in combination with a coronavirus pneumonia clinic improved quality of life in persons with covid-19. However, further studies are necessary but possible applications for the coronavirus self-test include increased access to testing, self-management, and enhanced care among persons with coronavirus.

Results from a recent paper, a self-test with a rapid kit was highly positive in the general population tested. Results from a recent paper can complement testing for SARS-CoV-2 in suspected cases.