Positive after being negative

[Hilaryb93]

Hi I was diagnosed with CLL in March 2022 and am on W&W. On April 3rd I tested positive for Covid and was prescribed Paxlovid for 5days. After starting Paxlovid I think I felt worse from side effects of the drugs rather than Covid. On day 6, 7 and 8 I tested negative (and felt fine apart from fatigue I’ve been getting with CLL) and then on April 15th I felt really rough with cold/ flu symptoms and I have just tested positive again!! What do I do? Can I have another dose of antivirals?? Do I speak to 119?

[blowinginthewind]

I don't know the answer to that, although I would say 119 or your CNS if you have one would be a good place to start. I have no idea what the procedure is. I had lunch with a friend of Tuesday who tested positive on Wednesday. I am sat here looking at the test thingy, convinced there is a very faint line on the test strip. I want to go out this morning, but feel I shouldn't because before the restrictions were lifted I would have been self isolating. I hope that your covid is easily sorted for you

Liz

[very]

I rang 119,when my husband tested positive.They then adviced me that a NHS doctor would ring back in 24 hrs ,which they did.He went to the not so local hospital for an antiviral infusion.The only side effect he has had is a runny nose.Jenny uk

[Tingy]

Hi Exactly the same thing happened to me! My Gp referred me back to the hospital for assessment and a consultant specialised in lymphoma and Covid rang me to explain that it was just a blip. She explained the science behind it all and that it was dangerous to have another dose of any antiviral medication - I had Paxlovid, because it would actually do more damage to me than the covid would. The dose of Paxlovid also prevented long Covid.The cold/flu symptoms I had again didn’t last for long and it was only a matter of days before I tested negative again. The consultant said not to keep testing myself but like you I only did because I started with the symptoms again which I explained to her.

Don’t panic as you’ll be fine soon and I wish you well and a speedy recovery. Just take things easy, rest and drink plenty of water - that’s the advice I was given.

[Basil01 in reply to Tingy]

Hi. Knowing what you know now, are you satisfied with being prescribed paxlovid? Asking as I'm about to start today!

[Tingy in reply to Basil01]

Hi.I was very happy with the Paxlovid because I feel without it I would have been very poorly and would have ended up in hospital, especially since I'd had my 4th vaccination six weeks before! I had no real side effects from the medication apart from a metallic taste but that could have easily been the Covid.

The one thing with the Paxlovid is to make sure that the dose is taken exactly 12 hours apart and to drink plenty of water. I had to attend hospital to have mine prescribed because it was only available for prescription a couple of weeks previously and the consultant was surprised that I'd had the 4th vaccination. He gave me strict instructions about taking it and I think that made a difference. I also made sure I took some food with it mainly because I suffer from IBS and other tummy problems.

Good luck and I'm sure you'll be fine plus I wish you a speedy recovery. Take care.

[Basil01 in reply to Tingy]

Really appreciate it. X

[Tingy in reply to Basil01]

That’s ok x

[Hilaryb93 in reply to Tingy]

Thanks for you reply, I’m just waiting for the doctor to call me back but hopefully all will be ok x

[Tingy]

I’m sure you’ll be fine and like me will just have to go with the flow! I also took paracetamol which helped.Take care and take plenty of rest. x

[Hilaryb93]

Thank you snd I will get plenty of rest