Covid related question

[Blacksheep143]

Can anyone help? I can’t get a straight answer from anywhere, so much conflicting information on line. I got Covid just before Xmas, I have been in isolation for well over 10 days but am still testing positive on lateral flow tests , I feel much better physically but mentally am struggling. My mum has PSP and my dad is showing signs of dementia, I’ve not been round to see them for ages, I was going round every day, mum has 2 carers 4 times a day, I was doing their shopping, washing up etc. I’m terrified that I’m still contagious, am I safe to visit?

[ConcernedEx]

Sadly, if you’re still testing positive is not a good sign to be near elderly. It’s so hard but maybe you can leave groceries at the door?? No one knows exactly what’s safe and what’s ok as rules and guidelines change so rapidly around the world.

Trust in God that the caregivers are doing the right thing with your parents. You might not have been able to see them recently, but you sound like a wonderful child and I’m sure they understand that you would come if it was safe.

I, along with all on this site, completely understand the frustrations you’re facing.

With loving prayers from NY, USA

[Blacksheep143 in reply to ConcernedEx]

Thank you. I just don't know when this will end.

[Motts in reply to Blacksheep143]

I believe we are all wanting to know the answer to your question. Using caution is my best advise. Sending hugs... Granni B

[ConcernedEx in reply to Blacksheep143]

When will this end???? That’s the million dollar question! It feels like it’s getting worse each day and that is for people who are not caregivers- add worrying about another person and bam, “its too much”!

I know yesterday I lost it with many tears to my friend…..and today, time to deal with reality again.

Keep expressing yourself on this site or with friends…….it’s a big boat and we’re all in it together❤️

[Martina_MP]

Your infectivity depends on several things. You feel better, but are you actually recovered with no fever, cough, or shortness of breath? When did your COVID symptoms end? Did you have a severe case? Do you have any reason to believe you have a weakened immune system, such as taking steroids, immunosuppressive medications, chemotherapy, chronic liver or kidney disease, HIV infection, or other significant underlying medical conditions, for example?

Were you fully vaccinated against COVID before you got infected?

Most people are expected to be non infectious 10 days after fever and symptoms resolve, and do not need retesting. Positive tests can continue even when someone is no longer infectious. If you were healthy and fully vaccinated beforehand, and it was a mild case, that should also decrease the period of infectivity. However, if you have an underlying condition or are taking medications that affect the immune system, you could continue to be infectious for longer. If you are not sure about that, talk to your doctor.

[Blacksheep143 in reply to Martina_MP]

Thanks for your detailed reply, it's a pity that I couldn't get such a reply from either 119 or the various government agencies!

I first tested positive on 18th December but thought I wasn't feeling right a couple of days before this, I did two negative tests on these two days before I tested positive. I then isolated for more than 10 days. Yesterday (30th), I did another positive test but the second line was very feint which apparently is a good sign. Today I tested negative for the first time since the 18th. I'm going to wait until hopefully another negative test tomorrow before going anywhere near my parents. I have had 2 doses of the Astra Zeneca vaccine and have also had a Pfizer booster. My symptoms were initially tightness in the chest which went after a couple of days and headache which was quite severe, not much of a cough. I was very achey and had I not done a test I would have thought that I had a case of flu'. I'm now feeling a bit better but still get headaches, usually when I'm lying down at night and get very tired doing the smallest thing and struggle to get out of bed in the morning which previously had never been a problem for me. To my knowledge I am healthy 60 year old, my blood pressure tends to be high, but I'm not taking any medication for it.

Thanks again for your reply

Happy New Year!