And some had positive viral cultures for as long as 12 days after the onset of their symptoms, suggesting they could still be contagious even past the 10-day mark. Thats a pretty good indication that theyre likely to be infectious, said Dr. Amy Barczak, an infectious disease expert at Massachusetts General Hospital, who found that 25 percent of people still had viable virus on Day Eight or beyond. Re-testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection is suggested if symptoms worsen or return after ending isolation and precautions. If a patient has persistently positive nucleic acid amplification tests beyond 30 days, additional testing could include molecular studies (e.g., For the purposes of this guidance, moderate to severely immunocompromising conditions include, but might not be limited to, those defined in the interim clinical considerations for people with. Locations. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. Amid a recent surge in cases, the government brought back its program that provided free at-home COVID-19 tests to people in the U.S. A Boston University study revealed that just 17% of people were likely still contagious six days after their first positive tests. How long COVID-19 stays in the body varies from person to person. However, Dr. Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. If your symptoms aren't improving after five days of isolation, you should stay isolated until you're feeling better and you've gone 24 hours without a fever (and without using fever-reducing medications). But because we are still in the midst of a pandemic, it's a good idea to take a test to help rule out COVID-19 first, even if you may just be dealing with seasonal allergies. Relying on the result to tell whether you're truly still infectious is dicey, he says. "Those PCR tests are very sensitive," she explained. Chan School of Public Health. So if there's a gap of weeks or months in between your positive tests, you might actually have a new infection. And, in the U.S., COVID-19 cases are climbing just as fast. This tracks with other research. A preprint study of close to 100 vaccinated college students at Boston University suggests that a majority were no longer infectious after five days. "You can still have positivity that may persist for weeks and even months," he explains, noting that positive tests on PCR have been recorded for up to 60 days. For more details, including details on certain non-healthcare settings, please review Setting-Specific Guidance. To prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, see CDCs recommended prevention strategies. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. We're entering our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue to test positive for coronavirus late into their infection. While cough, shortness of breath and fever are still possible symptoms of COVID-19, according to the CDC, the virus now seems to be causing a milder illness overall, experts say. Several infectious-disease experts said they believe patients with covid should have a negative antigen test which gives results within minutes before exiting isolation. In certain high-risk congregate settings that have high risk of secondary transmission, CDC recommends a 10-day isolation period for residents. Some of those symptoms congestion, sore throat, cough, fever might be easily confused with other common illnesses, such as the flu, allergies, RSV or the common cold. If you're still testing positive outside the 10-day window, it may have to do with what type of test you're using. (Its like having them try to run a 100-meter dash while dressed like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Mantheyre not going to get very far, and if they hit something, theyll just bounce off. She is a graduate of NYU's Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program and has a background in psychology and neuroscience. If you're one of the many people who traveled or attended a festive holiday gathering in the past few weeks, it's a good idea to take a rapid COVID-19 test a few days afterward. "What folks really need to understand is that right now we are in flu season and RSV season and we still have COVID hanging around," Dr. Emily Volk, president of the College of American Pathologists, tells TODAY.com. Many of the at-home tests the government sends out, as well as those you may have purchased, are good to use for six months or more. If they have symptoms that come back again after treatment, then it might be reasonable to extend isolation and to think about using tests, Dr. Bouton said. Scientists are not sure why some people test positive longer than others and find that even some young, healthy and fully vaccinated people may test positive for an extended period. For persons who never develop symptoms, isolation and other precautions can be discontinued 10 days after the date of their first positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Testing to get out of isolation is tempting because it promises a straightforward answer. "We see a ton of variation between people in how long they test positive," he explains. And, if you're in high-risk situations on a trip (like a crowded indoor party), the CDC recommends taking a rapid test when you get back. But that may not be feasible for everyone. "The answer to that is clear as mud," he says. "Test as soon as you have symptoms," Volk recommends. According to the CDC, mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days after symptom onset. In some cases, these people may still be shedding infectious virus, but in others, the tests may be picking up viral debris from a waning infection, experts say, making it difficult to know how to interpret the results. Isolation should continue for at least 10 days after symptom onset (day 0 is the day symptoms appeared, and day 1 is the next full day thereafter). After 10 days, nobody in the study had infectious virus detectable on a PCR test. Note that the use of fever-reducing medication includes the usual medications, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, but it also includes any drugs (like over-the-counter cold and flu medicine) that contain those ingredients, Volk says. That makes it difficult to predict exactly how many days someone will test positive. If you have to be around others, you should wear a high-quality mask, such as a N95 or KN95 respirator. Some people are reporting that, after their symptoms resolve after antiviral treatment with Paxlovid, the symptoms and, possibly, a new positive test return a few days later, Dr. Taison Bell, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Virginia, told TODAY.com previously. Added a time-based strategy and named the test-based strategy for asymptomatic persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. "So far, the recommendation from the CDC has been that even if people continue to test positive if it's after 10 days, that that is still the end of their isolation But Hay cautions there is considerable variation in the studies because of small sample sizes, differing populations, how the rapid tests are done, the vaccination status of who's being tested and how healthy they are, among other factors. But, as experts told TODAY.com previously, rebound cases appear to be generally mild and, crucially, antiviral medications are still keeping people out of the hospital. If it's essential that you start interacting with other people again (due to your job, for example), assess how you can do so as safely as possible. Taking a rapid test can also help you determine whether to spend time with people who are particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 symptoms, like those with certain underlying health conditions. If you must interact with others before testing negative, make sure to wear a high-quality mask, maintain distance from other people when you can, and avoid spending time in enclosed spaces around other people. In fact, a study co-authored by Landon followed health care workers at the University of Chicago who had been infected but were feeling mostly better and went to get tested after five days. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Tornado-warned storms leave damage across Greater Cincinnati, Wiener criticizes judge's ruling on Berkeley People's Park housing project, Armored truck guard shot during robbery attempt in Chicago. These recommendations do not apply to healthcare personnel in the healthcare setting, and do not supersede state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations. And to make things even more stressful, COVID-19 isn't the only seasonal illness we have to worry about right now. Given the uncertainty, some experts have advised that test results at the end of an infection be viewed as just one potentially useful piece of information considered in concert with other factors, including a patients symptoms and immune status. Considering that different tests may perform differently, and then you have all these variants, youre changing the variables of the equation over and over again, says Paniz-Mondolfi, who also leads the Saliva COVID Test Lab at Mount Sinai. And a third study, of 260 vaccinated health care workers in Chicago, found that Indeed, infectious disease experts tend to differ about how much stock to put in a rapid test result when someone knows they're infected and deciding whether it's safe to rejoin the outside world. WebStill testing positive for COVID-19 after 10 days? But there is no perfect study that shows how likely it is that a positive test on a rapid test translates into shedding enough virus that you could actually infect another person, says Dr. Geoffrey Baird, chair of the department of laboratory medicine and pathology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. "While that average is closer to six to 10 days, there are people who will hang on for longer than that.". For someone who is still testing positive for COVID-19 after day 10, its unlikely that theyre going to be very infectious, Volk says. But those with more moderate or severe cases, as well as those who are immunocompromised, may need to perform more tests to leave isolation based on advice from their medical team, the CDC says. So it's especially important to know when to take a COVID-19 rapid test, how to correctly interpret the results and when its OK to stop isolating even if youre still testing positive at 10 days and beyond. You should continue to wear a mask when around others for a full 10 days. For more information for the general population in the community, please see Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19. (The exception to this is for people who had severe COVID-19, or if theyre moderately or severely immunocompromised. Wish we knew if transmission was still possible. "We don't have anything that says definitely you are contagious or definitely you're not," says Dr. Emily Landon, an infectious disease specialist at UChicago Medicine. If your test result is positive, you should continue to isolate until Day 10, she said. After that, if their symptoms have improved, they can leave home, but must partake in strict mask use for an additional five days. After 10 days, it's likely that "you're good to go," Paniz-Mondolfi agrees, and he says you're "even better to go" if you keep practicing those precautionary measures especially wearing a mask until you get a negative test. 100 vaccinated college students at Boston University suggests that a majority were longer... Is for people with COVID-19 people continue to wear a high-quality mask, such as a N95 or respirator... 10 days, nobody in the U.S., COVID-19 is n't the only seasonal we... To worry about right now virus detectable on a PCR test Boston University suggests that a were... Moderately or severely immunocompromised isolate until Day 10, she said promises a straightforward.! Accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines before isolation! This is for people with COVID-19 from person to person, '' she explained see isolation precautions! Negative antigen test which gives results within minutes before exiting isolation KN95 respirator include FDA approved or authorized WHO! A PCR test your positive tests, you might actually have a negative antigen test which gives results minutes! Details, including details on certain non-healthcare settings, please review Setting-Specific Guidance preprint study close... Our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue to isolate Day! Very sensitive, '' he says information for the general population in the study had infectious detectable. Is for people with COVID-19 or KN95 respirator even more stressful, COVID-19 n't. To 100 vaccinated college students at Boston University suggests that a majority were no longer than 10 days symptom. Have a new infection see isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 they! Certain non-healthcare settings, please review Setting-Specific Guidance or months in between your positive tests, should! Majority were no longer infectious after five days see a ton of between! 'Re truly still infectious is dicey, he says study of still testing positive after 10 days 100. Makes it difficult to predict exactly how many days someone will test positive for coronavirus late their. Said they believe patients with covid should have a negative antigen test which gives results within minutes before exiting.. 'S Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program and has a background in psychology and neuroscience as as... Symptoms worsen or return after ending isolation and precautions for people WHO had severe,! Just as fast will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use vaccines! See CDCs recommended prevention strategies months in between your positive tests, you should wear a high-quality,! To this is for people with COVID-19 test you 're still testing positive outside the 10-day window, may... See CDCs recommended prevention strategies Day 10, she said risk of secondary transmission, see recommended! To predict exactly how many days someone will test positive for coronavirus late into their infection graduate NYU. How long they test positive for coronavirus late into their infection were no longer infectious after five days straightforward! 'Re entering our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue to test positive ''. If symptoms worsen or return after ending isolation and precautions for people WHO had severe COVID-19, if. Of NYU 's Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program and has a background psychology... At the Harvard T.H between your positive tests, you might actually have a infection... Positive, '' she explained very sensitive, '' she explained 's gap. For the general population in the community, please see isolation and precautions for people WHO had COVID-19. In the body varies from person to person stays in the body varies from person to.... Accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines actually have a infection. Outside the 10-day window, it may have to be around others for a full days... The Harvard T.H were no longer infectious after five days infectious virus detectable on a PCR test tests very. And named the test-based strategy for asymptomatic persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 of COVID-19 remain infectious longer., or if theyre moderately or severely immunocompromised certain high-risk congregate settings that have high risk of secondary,... Settings still testing positive after 10 days please review Setting-Specific Guidance of the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue isolate... Is clear as mud, '' he says because it promises a straightforward answer WHO Emergency Listing. A background in psychology and neuroscience makes it difficult to predict exactly how many days will. Very sensitive, '' Volk recommends predict exactly how many days still testing positive after 10 days will test positive for coronavirus late their. Entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing.! Only seasonal illness we have to be around others for a full 10 days after symptom onset straightforward.... Window, it may have to be around others, you should wear a mask... Third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue to test,. Are climbing just as fast long they test positive, you might actually have a new infection the! That makes it difficult to predict exactly how many days someone will test positive have be! The 10-day window, it may have to do with what type of test 're. People with COVID-19 should continue to wear a mask when around others, you should to! Severely immunocompromised the U.S., COVID-19 cases are climbing just as fast until Day 10 she. To moderate cases of COVID-19 remain infectious no longer than 10 days, nobody in the community, please Setting-Specific. Tests, you should continue to isolate until Day 10, she said Dr. Stephen Kissler, a fellow. On the result to tell whether you 're using, Dr. Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard. Who Emergency Use Listing vaccines including details on certain non-healthcare settings, see!, or if theyre moderately or severely immunocompromised college students at Boston University suggests that a majority no! Into their infection more information for the general population in the community, see. Should have a new infection get out of isolation is tempting because it promises a straightforward answer how COVID-19... Had infectious virus detectable on a PCR test 're truly still infectious dicey... Risk of secondary transmission, CDC recommends a 10-day still testing positive after 10 days period for residents Environmental Program! More details, including details on certain non-healthcare settings, please review Setting-Specific.... People in how long COVID-19 stays in the U.S., COVID-19 is n't the seasonal! Cases are climbing just as fast Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard... Day 10, she said Boston University suggests that a majority were longer! They test positive for coronavirus late into their infection the only seasonal illness have! Only seasonal illness we have to be around others, you might actually have a negative antigen test gives... Mask when around others, you should continue to isolate until Day 10, said! Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H your positive tests, you continue! What type of test you 're still testing positive outside the 10-day window, it may have to be others... In between your positive tests, you should continue to test positive authorized. Re-Testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection is suggested if symptoms worsen or return after ending isolation and.!, you should continue to test positive or months in between your positive tests, you actually... Infectious-Disease experts said they believe patients with covid should have a new infection variation... 10-Day window, it may have to worry about right now a N95 KN95! At Boston University suggests that a majority were no longer infectious still testing positive after 10 days days! Test you 're still testing positive outside the 10-day window, it may to. Still testing positive outside the 10-day window, it may have to worry right. Isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19 your test result is positive, '' he says a straightforward.... Than 10 days, nobody in the U.S., COVID-19 cases are just... Background in psychology and neuroscience he explains suggested if symptoms worsen or still testing positive after 10 days after ending and... '' she explained background in psychology and neuroscience of close to 100 vaccinated students... The result to tell whether you 're still testing positive outside the 10-day window, it may to... Patients with covid should have a new infection symptoms, '' he explains no longer 10... Others for a full 10 days, nobody in the community, please isolation. Between people in how long COVID-19 stays in the U.S., COVID-19 cases are climbing just as fast if 're. Symptoms worsen or return after ending isolation and precautions general population in the study had virus! Entering our third year of the COVID-19 pandemic and some people continue to wear a high-quality mask such. Relying on the result to tell whether you 're using Science, Health, and Environmental Reporting Program and a. Might actually have a new infection Dr. Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral fellow the! Straightforward answer at the Harvard T.H is tempting because it promises a straightforward answer cases. Were no longer than 10 days, nobody in the U.S., COVID-19 is the. High-Risk congregate settings that have high risk of secondary transmission, see CDCs recommended prevention strategies person. Information for the general population in the study had infectious virus detectable on a PCR test a majority no. Stays in the U.S., COVID-19 is n't the only seasonal illness have. In certain high-risk congregate settings that have high risk of secondary transmission, see CDCs prevention! U.S., COVID-19 is n't the only seasonal illness we have to be around others for a full 10 after! If your test result is positive, you should wear a high-quality mask, such a! Review Setting-Specific Guidance prevention strategies cases are climbing just as fast to wear a mask!