After recovering from COVID-19, the length of time you may continue to test positive depends on the type of test and individual factors:
- Rapid antigen tests usually stop detecting the virus within about 10 days after symptom onset for most people, though some may test positive up to 14 days
. A negative antigen test around day 5 or later is a good indicator that you are no longer infectious
- PCR tests can detect viral genetic material for much longer, sometimes up to 3 months or even more after recovery, but this does not necessarily mean you are contagious during that entire time
. The PCR test may pick up non-infectious viral fragments lingering in the body.
- Some individuals may continue to shed virus and test positive on PCR for weeks or months, even after symptoms have resolved
- Infectiousness generally ends about 7 days after symptom onset (or positive test if asymptomatic) plus at least 24 hours of symptom improvement and no fever
- The CDC and experts recommend isolating at least 5 days and continuing to wear a mask around others until at least day 10, or until you have two consecutive negative antigen tests 48 hours apart if possible
In summary, while you may test positive on sensitive PCR tests for up to 3 months after recovery, most people stop testing positive on rapid antigen tests within 10 to 14 days. Infectiousness usually ends within about a week after symptoms start, but precautions should continue until testing negative or completing recommended isolation periods
