We do NOT routinely use serology to diagnose or even confirm past infection with ANY respiratory virus. Even influenza. Few labs may still use complement fixation tests, but they require acute and convalescent serum and a good supply of antigen. Why would we start now? #COVID19

Serology for respiratory viruses is an epidemiology tool. We know that infections and reinfections occur throughout life. This renders diagnostic serology almost useless. I’m yet to work with a respiratory virus that induces life long, lasting immunity in the host.

As a virologist who works with respiratory viruses, I’m completely baffled by this obsession and the narrative that serology is going to be the answer we’re looking for in this pandemic.

The answer is a vaccine, but only once we understand how long our immune response is likely to last, as like influenza we may need to revaccinate annually. #JustSaying