COVID - Infectious or Not: I tested positive for... - CLL Support

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COVID - Infectious or Not

RobertCLL profile image
10 Replies

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?

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RobertCLL
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10 Replies
GMa27 profile image
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 profile image
RobertCLL in reply toGMa27

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

GMa27 profile image
GMa27 in reply toRobertCLL

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

annmcgowan profile image
annmcgowan

Hi I would try your GO or haematologist.

Good luck

Ann

RobertCLL profile image
RobertCLL in reply toannmcgowan

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 profile image
Eedew in reply toRobertCLL

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 profile image
annmcgowan in reply toRobertCLL

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 profile image
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 profile image
RobertCLL

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

annmcgowan profile image
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

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