How long do LFTs stay positive?

[LaffieTaffie]

The whole “you can leave after 7 days if you have 2 negative LFTs”. I’m on day 11 (so can go out today) but instant strong positive on LFT. So am I still contagious? No cough but sneezing still

My dd had strong instant positives on 2 tests last Saturday morning. Pcr positive. Didn't test at home again till tuesday (she felt so much better and was curious) - very faint positive. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have been negatives. I think she had the omicron variant from her symptoms and speedy recovery. Hope you feel ok. I would have been worried about still being contagious in your shoes too.

I must still be contagious but legally I’m allowed out? It doesn’t make sense

Do tested positive on the Sunday and was negative by the Thursday.
It's ten days or 7 with a negative result. So if you have done your ten days you are free I guess.

@LaffieTaffie

I must still be contagious but legally I’m allowed out? It doesn’t make sense

No, you can't go out if you are still testing positive OP. Where did you hear that? The guidance now says only after two consecutive daily negative LFTs.

If she has done her full 10 day isolation she can go out again as long as she has no fever

It's 2 negative LFTs to end isolation early. Once you do your 10 days you can end isolation anyway

www.google.com/amp/s/metro.co.uk/2021/12/23/what-if-you-test-covid-positive-on-lateral-flow-test-after-isolating-15814077/amp/

@dementedpixie thank you that’s really helpful!

I’m not “really ill” - sneezing a lot and very tired but all other symptoms have gone. Can’t smell or taste obviously

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/ also info on this page saying the same thing

@CelebrateAndDreamofNewYear that's not true at all. You CAN finish isolating after 10 days regardless of what the LFT says, unless you still have a temperature, D&V or heavy cold symptoms.