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Key Takeaways
You tested positive for COVID-19.
You isolated yourself for the recommended amount of time.
But you’re still testing positive.
Viesturs Radovics / EyeEm / Getty Images
This is called a test’s sensitivity.
A test with high sensitivity is less likely to produce a false negative result.
“Different types of tests may or may not be persistently positive.”
It’s important to know that getting vaccinated will not make you test positive.
PCR tests and rapid tests look to see if you have an active COVID infection.
Are You Still Contagious If You’re Testing Positive?
A positive PCR test does not always mean you’re still capable of spreading the virus.
“For whatever reason, there is still viral genetic material hanging out in their nose.”
The problem is you could’t know for surewhyyou’re still testing positive for COVID.
That means you could’t know for sure that you’re not still capable of infecting others.
It can take time for the virus to build up to levels that the rapid tests can pick up.
Check the requirements of the places you’ll be visiting to ensure you know what they need.
A positive test could be a sign of a new infection, not leftovers from your old one.
However, retesting is not necessary.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit our coronavirus news page.
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