However, you should take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 when you’re sick.
Do I Need to Retest After Getting COVID-19?
What If a PCR Test Is Positive?
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There are different tests used to detect COVID-19.
Antigen tests, available over the counter, detect proteins on the surface of the virus itself.
Antigen tests are far less sensitive than PCRs.
What If an Antibody Test Is Positive?
According to the CDC:
COVID antibody tests have other limitations.
By that time, many other people could have been infected.
Today, antibody tests are used for population-based research.
Should I Retest If Re-Exposed to COVID?
It depends on how long ago you tested positive and whether or not you have symptoms.
According to the CDC,you should be retestedif:
Antigen testing is recommended.
If the result is negative, repeat testing should be done.
You should NOT be retestedif you tested positive for COVID within 30 days and do not have COVID symptoms.
Window Period for Antigen Testing
The window period for a COVID antigen test is five days.
Testing before then may lead to afalse-negative result.
Can My Employer Require COVID Retesting?
Several workplaces have implemented COVID-19 screening to prevent the spread of the virus.
Instead, the CDC recommends the same isolation and masking policies it has in place for the general population.
The purpose should be to identify current infections.
Do I Need to Retest a Positive COVID Test for Travel?
You’ll need to check the testing requirements for your destination.
Does a Continued Positive Result Mean I Have Long COVID?
Symptoms of long COVID may include:
Long COVID is diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms.
The CDC also does not recommend repeat testing for returning to work.
Instead, workplaces should adhere to the same isolation/masking recommendations for the general population.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Testing for COVID-19.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Preventing spread of respiratory viruses when youre sick.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Interim guidance for SARS-CoV-2 testing in non-healthcare workplaces.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Travelers' health: COVID-19.
World Health Organization.A clinical case definition of post COVID-19 condition by a Delphi consensus, 6 October 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Long COVID basics.
