Are COVID Rapid Tests WORTHLESS?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 4, 2023
Boy, how times have changed. These days when you start feeling a little under the weather, one of your first thoughts is likely, “I’ll take a COVID test, just to be sure.”
But by now, you may have heard the buzz among family, friends, or online that at-home COVID tests may no longer be entirely accurate. Or worse, that they’re WORTHLESS.
But is it true?
Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic started is an excellent time to reevaluate if the tools we’ve been using to curb its spread, like rapid COVID tests, are still working.
So I applaud you for thinking about it.
The virus’s ability to infect healthy cells relies on a spike protein. The CHANGES that occur in this protein are what spur new variants – they’re then given their own names, such as Omicron, Delta, and Alpha.
But the spike protein ISN’T what the quick antigen tests are designed to detect. These at-home COVID tests are looking for something called a nucleocapsid protein. It’s the protein that surrounds the viral RNA.
Throughout all the virus’s changes, this inner protein HASN’T changed much. So the good news is the COVID tests you’re using at home ARE still a good way to detect the virus.
They’ve never been 100 percent accurate (few tests are). But there’s currently no evidence that there are more false negatives now than when we first started using them.
Just make sure…
- the test has NOT expired
- you follow ALL of the directions
- you get ENOUGH of a sample (using the swab correctly)
- to test several times over several days
As life slowly returns to our new version of normal, at-home COVID tests will continue to be a valuable tool to help us stop the spread of this virus.
P.S. Researchers say losing your ability to DO THIS is a red flag for the brain inflammation associated with post-COVID syndrome. Don’t miss this warning sign. CLICK HERE for all the details.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Nature’s Pharmacy Knocks Out Long COVID Symptoms
I’ve had many people ask me about Long COVID recently. It’s a big concern because it’s affecting more survivors than you might think. If you’re one of them—before you resign yourself to a life of lingering symptoms—there’s hope on the horizon… And it comes straight from Mother Nature herself. Recent data paints a sobering picture....
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...