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What Steps Can I Take To Become Panbio Antigen Test Negative ?
Question: I got Covid on Sep 1 ( fever started very early morning hours). Today is Sep 10 and I am still showing positive on the Panbio antigen test. I've read that most people become negative by the 10th day. Since I am positive , is this a concern ? What steps can I take to become negative ?
( note that Antigen test is not based on genetic material and hence does indicate presence of virus)
( note that Antigen test is not based on genetic material and hence does indicate presence of virus)
Brief Answer:
Might still be infectious
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is somewhat common for patients with COVID to continue to be positive with the antigen tests, even up to 14 days or longer after symptoms start. It's unclear why this happens to some people, it may be that the immune system is still having trouble clearing the virus. You could take an NAAT test to confirm whether there is actually still virus present, but otherwise, I would assume you are infectious, though it does not necessarily mean you need to isolate, as you are likely less contagious than before (generally recommendations are that you can stop isolation after 10 days). I would just recommend using normal precautions such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, social distancing, and avoiding those who might be high risk for severe disease (such as elderly). As far as things you can do to become negative, there is nothing that we know of that could help with that at this point.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Thanks.
Might still be infectious
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is somewhat common for patients with COVID to continue to be positive with the antigen tests, even up to 14 days or longer after symptoms start. It's unclear why this happens to some people, it may be that the immune system is still having trouble clearing the virus. You could take an NAAT test to confirm whether there is actually still virus present, but otherwise, I would assume you are infectious, though it does not necessarily mean you need to isolate, as you are likely less contagious than before (generally recommendations are that you can stop isolation after 10 days). I would just recommend using normal precautions such as wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, social distancing, and avoiding those who might be high risk for severe disease (such as elderly). As far as things you can do to become negative, there is nothing that we know of that could help with that at this point.
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions about that, and I would be glad to discuss it with you further.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
I tested today ( day 13 and it was negative). thamks
Brief Answer:
Good news
Detailed Answer:
That's good news, please let me know if I can help with anything in the future. Thanks for your question and take care.
Good news
Detailed Answer:
That's good news, please let me know if I can help with anything in the future. Thanks for your question and take care.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
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