While COVID-19 never quite went away the way many of us hoped when we embraced Zoom happy hours and worked from home in March 2020, ramped-up testing efforts have made it easier to answer certain questions (Is it COVID or allergies?). Still, certain questions about the virus remain, like: How long can you test positive for COVID? Experts share that it’s still important to understand the nuances of COVID testing and how long you’ll be contagious.
“Knowing how long you will test positive for COVID-19 is crucial for patients as it provides clarity about the duration of their isolation, which helps prevent the spread of the virus to others,” says Dr. Swapnil Patel, MHCM, FACP, from Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
It’s unlikely that you’ll still test positive after 10 days, but it’s possible. Does that mean you’re still contagious? Experts say it depends. With FLiRT strains causing a summer surge, LB.1 on the rise, and the upper respiratory peak looming, doctors are saying it’s time for a refresher on COVID testing and protocols. Here’s what you need to know about the typical time frame in which you can test positive for COVID, and what to do if you miss it.
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How long does it take before I test positive for COVID?
The answer is complicated. “It will surprise many people that now, more than four years into the COVID pandemic, it is impossible to say exactly how long people will remain infectious (and test positive) after the onset of COVID,” says Doctor David Cutler, MD, a board certified family physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. One reason is that it depends on the test you are doing, PCR or antigen.
“The PCR test detects the genetic material of the virus and can remain positive for up to 90 days, even if you are no longer contagious,” explains Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MDa four-time board-certified physician and NCOA medical evaluator. “You don’t normally have to repeat the PCR test within those 90 days. The antigen test checks for a protein on the virus and needs a certain amount of virus to show a positive result. It typically turns negative within five to 14 days of infection.”
In addition, COVID-19 affects everyone differently and this also applies to how long someone remains positive for.
“You can test positive for a very variable amount of time depending on your immune status,” says Dr. Linda Yancey, MDdirector of infection prevention at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.
You can feel symptom free and test negative within a week. Shortly after, you test positive for COVID again. What’s going on?
“When people have a return of COVID symptoms after the symptoms have completely resolved, there is a possibility of a ‘rebound’ infection,” Dr. Cutler says. “If they tested negative at any point after their initial infection, it is most likely a ‘rebound.’ However, if they never tested negative, it is uncertain whether this could be a rebound or persistent infection of the original illness.”
It can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out if you’re contagious. We’ve got you covered there too.
When to take a COVID rapid test at home
COVID test kits are available online, in stores, and at local pharmacies. Dr. Patel recommends getting one if you have any signs of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, chills, or shortness of breath.
The CDC also recommends testing for COVID and other respiratory illnesses:
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For meetings
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If respiratory infections are high in your area of residence
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If you or someone around you has been exposed to a respiratory illness, is ill or is recovering from a respiratory illness
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If you or someone around you is at increased risk of serious consequences of a respiratory disease, for example due to age or underlying health problems
Related: ‘I’m an infectious disease expert and this is the most overlooked COVID symptom right now
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 on a home test
First, it’s best to believe the test is accurate. “Rapid home tests give results in 10 to 15 minutes,” says Dr. Patel. “If you test positive, they are very accurate and should continue with isolation protocols.”
Dr. Patel gave a brief refresher on what these protocols mean.
“To protect yourself, you should wear a mask at all times and avoid contact with others, especially those at higher risk of infection,” Dr. Patel says. “You should also practice good hand hygiene to prevent further spread of COVID.”
There is light at the end of the tunnel, but
“Once [a rapid test] “If the diagnosis is negative, you are no longer contagious,” says Dr. Yancey.
Are you still contagious after 7 days of COVID?
Maybe, but probably not. “It’s very rare to be contagious for more than seven days after you’ve had COVID,” Dr. Yancey says. The vast majority of people will not be able to spread the infection.” Dr. Yancey says most people are only contagious for five days. But not everyone will be. Listen to your body.
“You can still be contagious after day seven if you are still experiencing symptoms,” says Dr. Patel. “The CDC recommendation is that after five days, your isolation should continue until your symptoms improve and you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medications.”
Related: ‘COVID Tongue’ Is Definitely a Thing — Here’s What It Is and How to Know If You Have It
What if you still test positive after 10 days?
It is rare for people to test positive after 10 days.
“The real question is, ‘Why are you still testing positive after 10 days?’” says Dr. Dasgupta. “If your COVID-19 symptoms have gone away or are getting better, you usually don’t need to be retested. But you can still test positive for a while, especially with PCR tests, which can remain positive for up to 90 days.”
Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you: “It is also possible to become reinfected during this time, so it can be difficult to determine whether a new positive test result means a new infection,” says Dr. Dasgupta.
When in doubt, call your doctor. And no matter how long it’s been since you tested positive for COVID: “If symptoms worsen or persist, it’s important to see a doctor, regardless of whether COVID tests are positive or negative,” Dr. Cutler says.
Next: ‘I Almost Died From Liver Failure At 50 — This Is The First Sign I Wish I Had Payed Attention To’
Expert sources
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Dr. Swapnil Patel, MD, MHCM, FACP, of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center
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Variant ratios. CDC.
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Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
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Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, a quadruple board certified physician and NCOA medical reviewer
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Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, director of infection prevention at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston
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Testing and respiratory infections. CDC.
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Risk factors for serious illness from respiratory viruses. CDC.