Covid testing

[Rubha]

Has anyone experienced a positive covid test lasting 5 weeks so far with absolutely no symptoms while on long term steroids ? Im fed up wearing a mask ....again but the wee red line is nof going away . Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The fast tests are quite innaccurate for current strains of Covid

cdc.gov/covid/testing/index....

says

"After a positive test result, you may continue to test positive for some time. Some tests, especially NAAT tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days.

Reinfections can occur within 90 days, which can make it hard to know if a positive test indicates a new infection.

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your circumstances."

verywellhealth.com/how-long...

says

"A positive PCR test does not always mean you're still capable of spreading the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people are not going to continue to spread COVID after about day 10.2

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19: Clinical presentation.

Gigi Gronvall, PhD, senior scholar at the Center for Health Security at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told Verywell that since the viral RNA can hang around, the CDC recommends people do not get PCR tests for 90 days after they got a positive result (if they need to test, they can use rapid tests instead).

"Some people continue to test positive by PCR even after they’re clearly no longer infectious," Gronvall said. "For whatever reason, there is still viral genetic material hanging out in their nose."3

The problem is you can't know for sure why you're still testing positive for COVID. That means you can't know for sure that you're not still capable of infecting others. Taking precautions until you test negative is important, especially if you're around people who are at high risk."

It's a difficult one - have you asked your doctor? Though to be honest - most people with Covid now are walking around without masks - they don't test, so they don't know ...

[Rubha in reply to PMRpro]

Many thanks. I have read up on the possibility of 90 days still showing red and that the virus can bury itself (sorry Im.not scientific!) In the human genome and you may always test positive. I only tested because I had been in close contact with somwone who had symptoms. I have had none at all and am awaiting long delayed surgery....fingers crossed. Your reply and link is really helpful.

[SnazzyD]

I admire your dedication. The majority don’t bother testing even if they have definite symptoms. If you don’t test it isn’t Covid! The longest I managed was 3 weeks being positive on lateral flow tests. Are you doing them well clear of any food or drink? I remember back in the day, kids were getting off school by drinking acidic drinks like orange juice to get a positive test.

[Rubha in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. As I told Dorset Lady, I only tested as my OH had tested positive. I have had no symptoms at all and am due surgery next month....long awaited. Im hoping that horrible red line will have gone by then .Appreciate your help

[readingbooks]

I don't know how often you are testing, but how about using a different/new test kit just in case it's an error. Worth a try ?

[Rubha in reply to readingbooks]

Thanks reading books. Am testing every 3 days (in hope) and am on my 3rd box of 5 test kits. Think I must be an alien 😁