COVID - Infectious or Not

[RobertCLL]

I tested positive for COVID on the 26th Dec. Some 6 weeks later I am still showing a very faint line on a LFT.

My question is, am I still infectious? My reading suggest that after 10 days you are no longer infectious, but that's for persons with a normal immune system.

Is there any medical data to say I am or am not infectious after 6 weeks?

[GMa27]

Are u just using home test? I would get regular test done. That's a very long time to still be positive. Are ur initial symptoms gone?

[RobertCLL in reply to GMa27]

Yes just using a NHS LFT. I have a productive, but clear, cough. Where would I get a regular test done?

[GMa27 in reply to RobertCLL]

I see u live in UK...no idea for there. In USA we just go to local pharmacy or doctor.

[annmcgowan]

Hi I would try your GO or haematologist.

Good luck

Ann

[RobertCLL in reply to annmcgowan]

Ann. I did speak to my DR, but they just gave me the NHS line, which I do not believe is applicable in our CLL status.

[Eedew in reply to RobertCLL]

I tested positive for Covid on August 25, ‘22 and continued testing positive until the first week of December ‘22. I had Covid pneumonia from the end of September thru the beginning of November….lots of fun. All docs said I wasn’t Covid contagious 🙄

[annmcgowan in reply to RobertCLL]

Hi I agree Robert. I spoke to my GP and she said to go to my haematology nurse specialist who will deal with prescribing Paxlovid. I am not sure how as I am awaiting a call from her having tested positive this morning. I will let you know what she says.

Ann

[bennevisplace]

Robert, if you're positive on a LFT you don't need a PCR test. Both kinds of test have a specificity close to 100 %, meaning the chance of your positive LFT result being wrong is minimal and you can be sure the virus is still in your system. Whether you're infectious I couldn't say, but prolonged periods of infectiousness (i.e. shedding of viable virus) after Covid infection in immunocompromised individuals is well documented e.g. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl... On this point, NHS/ government guidelines in the UK are nonexistent and in the USA the CDC recommends isolating for up to 20 days after symptoms have abated rather than 5 days for "normal" people. My advice is keep the FFP2 face covering on when mingling, until you get negative LFT tests on three consecutive days.

NOTA BENE: People have been using the LFT a lot for screening purposes and going about their business on the strength of one negative test. The chance of a single negative LFT result being wrong is quite high, probably in the range 20-50 % - worse odds than Russian roulette - but mitigated by repeat testing at intervals. PCR tests are much more sensitive.

[RobertCLL]

i am now making enquiries with some immunologists / virologists in the UK. I will report back on their thoughts when received.

[annmcgowan]

Hi Robert my haematology nurse told me during working hours you contact her if you test positive. Out of hours you contact 111. Either one will inform your local medicines unit who will contact you to check which medicines you are on for contraindications then prescribe accordingly. My unit contacted me today and are delivering paxlovid tomorrow. I hope this helps you?

Ann