Does your poop know if you have COVID?
When feeling unwell during the pandemic, receiving a negative COVID test might be misleading. Some individuals claim that the key to obtaining an accurate COVID test result lies not in nasal swabs, but rather in swabbing their feces.
That’s right… you read that correctly! Folks are swabbing their crap for COVID confirmation. What could motivate a pooper to do this? Well, it’s not just a few curious poopers, apparently it’s a “unorthodox” practice that fellow poopers are trying like a new brand of toilet paper.
This unconventional approach has sparked curiosity and debate, prompting experts to weigh in on its validity.
While traditional nose swab tests serve as a primary method for COVID detection, there are various reasons why these tests may yield negative results even in infected individuals.
Factors such as testing too early, having a low viral load or being affected by another viral illness can contribute to false negatives. Additionally, human error in conducting the test can also lead to inaccurate results.
In response to false negative test results, some individuals have turned to alternative methods, including testing their stool for COVID.
Social media users have reported obtaining positive COVID results by swabbing their feces at home. Public health expert Katelyn Jetelina emphasizes that while stool samples are used for population-level studies, their individual-level implications are uncertain.
COVID can persist in feces long after recovery, with some studies suggesting viral shedding in stool for months following initial infection. Therefore, a positive COVID result from a stool sample does not necessarily indicate an active infection, as individuals may still shed the virus even after testing negative via nasal swabs.
While it is true that COVID can be detected in stool samples, experts caution against this practice.
Moreover, the accuracy of COVID tests, including those conducted on stool samples, remains a concern. False positives and false negatives are still possible due to the limitations of current testing technologies.
Jetelina notes that the desire for more reliable diagnostic tools reflects a broader need for improved testing capabilities.
While awaiting advancements in testing, adherence to basic preventive measures remains crucial. Practicing good hand hygiene, isolating when symptomatic, wearing masks in crowded settings and prioritizing rest are recommended strategies to mitigate the spread and impact of viral illnesses.
While the idea of using stool samples for COVID testing may hold some merit, its efficacy and reliability on an individual level are uncertain.
Until more precise diagnostic tools become available, individuals are encouraged to rely on established preventive measures to safeguard their health and that of others amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Does this story make ponder, “in poo we trust?” Well, that wasn’t the point of the article but we’d love to hear from ya! Shoot us a note! Or drop a comment on this article or any others that flush your senses