After testing positive for COVID-19, the general guideline is to isolate and follow preventive measures rather than repeated testing immediately. The CDC advises that after a positive test, you may continue to test positive for some time due to detecting remnants of the virus, so repeat testing is not typically recommended within 90 days unless you develop new symptoms. For ending isolation and return to activities, testing can be done around day 5 or later if symptoms are resolving. If you continue to test positive beyond 10 days, experts recommend continuing precautions because you may still be contagious. Some guidelines suggest testing again after day 5 and then daily up to day 10, with isolation ending only after a negative test result along with symptom improvement. For high-risk or severe cases, follow healthcare provider advice for testing and isolation. In summary:
- Wait about 5 days before testing again if you want to check if you're no longer infectious.
- If symptoms improve and you test negative after day 5, you can end isolation.
- If still positive, continue isolation and retest daily up to 10 days.
- After 10 days, if still positive, continue precautions with masking and distancing.
- Testing is not generally recommended again within 90 days unless new symptoms appear.
This is consistent with CDC, FDA, and other health authorities' current guidance on testing after a positive COVID-19 result.
