How long can I test positive after being infected with COVID? – NBC Chicago

Most people infected with COVID-19 will not experience symptoms for at most 2 weeks, but can be positive after that.

according to Centers for Disease Control and PreventionSome people infected with COVID-19 can detect the virus for up to 3 months, but that does not mean they are contagious.

In terms of testing, PCR tests are more likely to continue to detect the virus after infection.

“PCR tests can remain positive for long periods of time,” said Dr. Allison Arwadi, director of public health at Chicago, in March.

“These PCR tests are very sensitive,” she added. “They keep picking up dead virus in their noses for weeks, but they can’t propagate the virus in the lab. They can’t spread, but they can be positive.”

The test is “most commonly used in the early stages of the disease to diagnose COVID-19 and is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to assess the duration of infectivity,” the CDC said.

For quarantine due to COVID infection, there are no test requirements to terminate quarantine, but the CDC recommends that those who choose quarantine use rapid antigen testing.

Arwady said the guidance is likely to be related to determining if someone has an “active” virus.

“If you want to get a test, don’t get a PCR. Use a rapid antigen test,” she said. “Why? Because rapid antigen testing is seen … Is there a COVID level high enough that there is a possibility of infection? Now, PCR testing can pick up some traces, even if the virus It’s a virus for a long time, even if it’s bad, and even if it’s potentially uninfected. “

So what else do you need to know about COVID testing?

According to the CDC, the incubation period for COVID is 2 to 14 days, but the latest guidance from the authorities suggests a 5-day quarantine for unboosted but qualified or unvaccinated individuals. .. For those who wish to be tested after exposure, the CDC recommends that they be tested 5 days after exposure or if symptoms begin to appear.

Those who have been boosted and vaccinated, or who have been fully vaccinated and are not yet eligible for booster shots, do not need to be quarantined, but unless they are symptomatic, wear a mask for 10 days and 5 after exposure. You also need to take the test for the day.

Still, for those who have been vaccinated and have boosted immunity, but still want to be cautious, Arwady said the additional test on day 7 might be helpful.

“If you’re taking multiple tests at home, it’s a good idea to take the test after 5 days. But if you take it once every 5 times and it’s negative and you feel good, you’re there. Wouldn’t have any more problems. ” “If you’re paying particular attention to it, and if you want to test it again, I think people can see the three and get a faster feeling, even at 7 o’clock. But if you’re going to do it once, do it once. Please. At 5, I feel good about it. “

Arwady said those who were vaccinated and boosted would not need testing 7 days after exposure.

“If you are exposed, you will be vaccinated and encouraged. Frankly, I don’t think you need to be tested for the last seven days,” she said. “If you want to be especially careful, you can do it at 10 o’clock, but only what we see, I think you really clearly. If you are not vaccinated or boosted, I Will certainly have much higher concerns, arguably, ideally you would be looking for that test at 5 o’clock, and I would do it again at 7 o’clock, potentially at 10 o’clock . “

If there are symptoms, the CDC says they can be around others after being quarantined for 5 days to stop the onset of symptoms. However, to minimize the risk to others, you should continue to wear the mask for 5 days after the symptoms are over.