The duration for which you will test positive for COVID-19 depends on the type of test and individual factors:
- NAAT/PCR tests can detect viral RNA for up to 90 days after infection, even when you are no longer contagious. This means you may continue to test positive for several weeks or months after recovery
- Rapid antigen tests usually become negative within about 10 days after the initial positive result for most people. However, some individuals may test positive for longer, up to 14 days or more
- People with weakened immune systems or severe illness may test positive for longer periods and remain infectious beyond 10 days
- After a positive test, isolation is generally recommended for at least 5 to 7 days from symptom onset or positive test date, with precautions continuing up to 10 days or until you have two consecutive negative antigen tests 48 hours apart
- Testing positive beyond 10 days may indicate continued viral shedding, but not necessarily contagiousness. Still, caution and masking are advised if you continue to test positive
In summary, while antigen tests typically turn negative within 10 to 14 days, PCR tests can remain positive for up to 90 days. Isolation and precautions are advised for at least 5 to 10 days, with longer periods for some individuals depending on symptoms and immune status
