This Is How Long You’ll Probably Test Positive for COVID, Say Infectious Disease Docs

While COVID-19 never fully went away the way many of us hoped it would when we were embracing Zoom happy hours and worked from home in March of 2020, ramped-up testing efforts have made it easier to answer certain questions (Is it COVID or allergies?), however, certain questions about the virus remain, like: How long can you test positive for COVID? Experts share that understanding the nuances of COVID tests and how long you will be contagious remains important.

"Knowing how long you will test positive for COVID-19 is crucial for patients as it provides clarity on the duration of their isolation, helping to prevent the spread of the virus to others," says Dr. Swapnil Patel, MHCM, FACP, of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

You'll unlikely still be testing positive after 10 days, but it's possible. Does that mean you're still contagious? Experts say it depends. With the FLiRT strains driving a summer surge, LB.1 emerging and peak upper respiratory on the horizon, doctors share it's time for a refresh on COVID testing and protocols. Here's what to know about the typical timeframe to expect to test positive for COVID and what to do if you exceed it.

Related: 'No One in My Family Has Ever Gotten COVID—Here's Exactly What We Do'

How Long Will I Test Positive for COVID?

The answer is complicated. "It may surprise many people to know that now, over four years after the onset of the COVID pandemic, it is impossible to state precisely how long people remain infectious (and will test positive) after the onset of COVID," says Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. One reason is that it depends on the test you take, PCR or antigen.

"The PCR test detects the virus's genetic material and can stay positive for up to 90 days, even if you’re no longer contagious," explains Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, a quadruple board-certified physician and medical reviewer for NCOA. "You usually shouldn’t retest with a PCR test within those 90 days. The antigen test checks for a protein on the virus and needs a certain amount of the virus to show a positive result. It typically turns negative within five to 14 days after infection."

Also, COVID affects people differently, and this applies to how long they will test positive as well.

"You can test positive for a very variable length of time depending on your immune status," says Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, the director of infection prevention at the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.

You may feel symptom-free and test negative within a week. Soon after, you test positive for COVID again. What gives?

"When people get a recurrence of COVID symptoms after complete resolution of symptoms, the possibility exists of a 'rebound' infection," Dr. Cutler says. "If they tested negative at some point after their initial infection, a 'rebound' most likely exists. However, if they never tested negative, it is uncertain whether this might be a rebound or persistent infection from the original illness."

It can be confusing, especially if you're trying to determine whether you're contagious. We've got you covered there, too.

When to Take a COVID Rapid At-Home Test

COVID test kits are available online, in retail stores, and at local pharmacies. Dr. Patel suggests taking one if you display signs of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, chills or shortness of breath.

The CDC also recommends testing for COVID and other respiratory illnesses:

• Before gatherings

• If respiratory illness rates are high where you live

• If you or anyone around you has been exposed to, are sick with or recovering from a respiratory illness

• If you or someone around you is at an increased risk for severe outcomes from a respiratory illness, such as due to age or underlying health conditions

Related: 'I'm an Infectious Disease Expert, and This Is the Most Commonly Overlooked COVID Symptom Right Now'

What To Do If You Test Positive For COVID-19 On An At-Home Test

First, your best bet is to believe the test is correct. "Rapid at-home tests produce results within 10 to 15 minutes," Dr. Patel says. "If you test positive, they are very accurate and should proceed with isolation protocols."

Dr. Patel provided a quick refresher on what those protocols mean.

"To protect yourself, you should mask at all times and avoid contact with others, especially those who are at a higher risk of infection," Dr. Patel says. "You should practice good hand hygiene as well to prevent further spread of COVID."

There's light at the end of the tunnel, though

"Once [a rapid test] turns negative, you are no longer contagious," Dr. Yancey says.

Are You Still Contagious After 7 Days Of COVID?

Maybe, but probably not. "It is very rare to be contagious for more than seven days after having COVID," Dr. Yancey says. The vast majority of people will not be able to spread the infection." Dr. Yancey says most people are only contagious for five days. However, not everyone will be. Tune into your body.

"You may still be contagious after day seven if you are still experiencing symptoms," Dr. Patel says. "The CDC recommendation is that your isolation should continue after five days until your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medications."

Related: 'COVID Tongue' Is Definitely a Thing—Here's What It Is and How to Know if You Have It

What If You’re Still Testing Positive After 10 Days?

It's rare for people to test positive beyond the 10-day mark.

"The real question is, 'Why are you still testing positive after 10 days?'" Dr. Dasgupta says. "If your COVID-19 symptoms have cleared or are getting better, you usually don’t need to retest. However, you might still test positive for a while, especially with PCR tests, which can stay positive for up to 90 days."

Also, sorry to disappoint you, but: "It’s also possible to get reinfected during this time, so it can be hard to tell if a new positive test means a new infection," Dr. Dasgupta says.

When in doubt, call your doctor. Also, regardless of how long it's been since you tested positive for COVID: "If symptoms worsen or persist, consultation with a physician is important regardless of whether COVID tests are positive or negative," Dr. Cutler says.

Next up: 'I Almost Died of Liver Failure At Age 50—This Is the First Sign I Wish I'd Paid Attention To'

Expert Sources

• Dr. Swapnil Patel, MD, MHCM, FACP, of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center

• Variant Proportions. CDC.

• Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.

• Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, a quadruple board-certified physician and medical reviewer for NCOA

• Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, the director of infection prevention at the Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston

• Testing and Respiratory Viruses. CDC.

• Risk Factors for Severe Illness from Respiratory Viruses. CDC.