First contacts should get tested 3-5 days after exposure: Expert

8 August 2021 02:25 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 4 Bookmark

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The close contacts of COVID-19 patients should get themselves tested 3-5 days after exposure whereas earlier recommendation was 5-7 days, a local medical expert said.

Sri Jayewardenepura University's Immunology and Molecular Medicine Department Director Dr. Chandima Jeewandara said Rapid Antigen tests would be ideal for symptomatic patients while PCR test would be more sensitive for asymptomatic patients in Sri Lanka.

He expressed these views on his Twitter based on the recommendations of the Disease Control and Prevention centre.

He proceeded to say that it was his personal view and not the guidelines adopted by the local authorities. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Comments - 4

Vidora Sunday, 08 August 2021 03:15 PM

You are saying that only now …!!! The first contacts have been moving around and even after submitting for tests they move around until PCR tests results come!!! The medical doctors have failed badly in informing people how to self quarantine if exposed , how to stay safe and prevent spread and in not informing the office president, the government and task force who are not medical people about how the infection can spread through first and second contacts without testing and isolating and looking out for symptoms..

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K Perera Monday, 09 August 2021 03:51 AM

He is correct... With the Delta variant...you can get sick much faster after the initial exposure. This is mainly because of the increased infectivity and also the 1250 times increase in the viral load. Latest data show that the time interval from exposure to positive PCR test ranged from three to five days, with a peak at 3.71 days. In contrast, the original virus had an average of six days from exposure to PCR positive with a range of five to eight days and a peak at 5.61 days. The Delta variant multiplies rapidly within the host (insde the body) a person could be able to infect others within a day or two of being exposed. The rapid multiplication also explains the increased viral load. It is a very dangerous variant. The Lambda is also a nasty variant, possibly more.

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Gb Monday, 09 August 2021 05:37 AM

The greedy actions of a few will doom us all, take names and hold them accountable

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Dee Monday, 09 August 2021 08:24 AM

No need for 'expert opinion' . Don't be like our ex PM. Our brave boys will manage this virus. They have the firepower!

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