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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not understand how positive LFT for 2 days is now suddenly negative?

32 replies

CovidConfused123 · 22/01/2022 15:32

Long Covid sufferer so very worried about catching anything else.
DD tested positive on a LFT Thursday morning and again yesterday morning - strong positives and mine strong negatives so have been distancing as much as possible / wearing masks etc.
This morning her LFT was completely clear and just now have checked again with another and again clear - surely it wouldn’t be out of her system in 2 days?
We test daily so she was 100% negative before Wednesday!

OP posts:
WanderingLost167 · 22/01/2022 15:43

Just had this with my 7 year old DS, will test again tomorrow, and end isolation if still negative

WabbitsAndWeasels · 22/01/2022 15:47

I don't think it's about it being out of her system with the LFT but about shedding the virus and therefore being contagious. They aren't as sensitive as PCR tests so she may still test positive with a PCR but be beyond the stage where others are likely to catch it from her. If in doubt maybe do a PCR, if not still don't go to high traffic places and continue mask wearing and be cautious until you feel more confident.

3scape · 22/01/2022 15:48

Still supposed to isolate and test on day 5 (so 6). You don't test the day after the first positive.

MagratsDanglyCharms21 · 22/01/2022 15:48

No longer in the contagious stage

LibrariesGiveUsPower · 22/01/2022 15:50

Why are you wasting tests? There’s only a short window lateral flows detect accurately in. She’s positive for covid, follow the relevant isolation rules.

Original poster
CovidConfused123 · 22/01/2022 15:53

Gosh I wasn’t planning to end isolation or anything like that!
As I said I’m very concerned as very unwell with long Covid so that’s why I do daily tests and the only reason I tested her again today was because it’s so hard trying to stay away from my own daughter so once she’s not contagious I would be less worried that’s all

OP posts:
underneaththeash · 22/01/2022 15:57

DD never had a positive lateral flow - (but tested positive on a PCR when DH and siblings had it).

Echobelly · 22/01/2022 16:01

I'd just get her to do a PCR. LFTs are useful and better than people think on the whole but I think if you keep testing you'll just get confused. I think it can pass out of system quite quickly with kids - DS (10) had COVID last week (I'm just on last days of it too). He basically had slight symptons on days 1-3, still + on LFT on day 5 (the first day we tested since day 0), then negative next two days. So it passed on quickly.

Sorry you're suffering with long COVID OP.

Original poster
CovidConfused123 · 22/01/2022 16:11

I will arrange a PCR
It’s only confusing as she’s been negative every day since returning to school after Xmas then positive for 2 days now nothing!
I will keep doing what I can to avoid catching it and isolating us but will also get the PCR done - thanks

OP posts:
modgepodge · 22/01/2022 16:20

@CovidConfused123

I will arrange a PCR It’s only confusing as she’s been negative every day since returning to school after Xmas then positive for 2 days now nothing! I will keep doing what I can to avoid catching it and isolating us but will also get the PCR done - thanks
But why do you need the PCR? It’s a waste of a test. She had covid 2 days ago. So she needs to isolate for however many days it is now, without testing (pointless) until the day the government say. She then does 2 LFTs, 24 hours apart, and if they’re both negative she can leave isolation the next day. A PCR at this point is irrelevant.
modgepodge · 22/01/2022 16:22

To be clear, I meant why does SHE need a PCR, not you (though you also don’t need one, but should continue to do LFTs daily for 7 days).

Original poster
CovidConfused123 · 22/01/2022 17:16

I understand what you mean, I can never tell if I’ve picked up a new Covid strain because of the long Covid symptoms I permanently can have weeks of sore eyes / a runny nose / sore throat / pain and fatigue so it was more just of never seeing an LFT being negative only 2 days after a positive that confused me.
I agree she doesn’t need the PCR as I would be sticking to the isolation anyway

OP posts:
Northernlurker · 22/01/2022 17:41

Why are you testing your child EVERY day because you are anxious?

How does it benefit her Hmm?

BogRollBOGOF · 22/01/2022 17:48

If she's testing negative now, there's no point in avoiding each other in the house. She can then stop isolation on the minimum time.

SkepticalCat · 22/01/2022 17:51

@WanderingLost167

Just had this with my 7 year old DS, will test again tomorrow, and end isolation if still negative
What??

You're not allowed to do that. The rules are test positive with a lateral flow (day 0). Don't test again until days 5 and 6. If both are negative, end isolation on day 7. If either are positive, keep testing until you have two consecutive negative lateral flows until day 10. Day 11 leave isolation.

You can't just leave isolation on day 3, 4, or 5 if you get a negative.

BluebellsGreenbells · 22/01/2022 17:51

*Still supposed to isolate and test on day 5 (so 6). You don't test the day after the first positive^

No true. Depends where you live.

Ohdearthatwasntgreatwasit · 22/01/2022 18:14

Why are you testing every day?!

What a shocking waste of resources.

modgepodge · 22/01/2022 19:22

@SkepticalCat in England you can now end isolation after 5 days if you have 2 LFTs, on days 4 and 5. You can then leave isolation on day 6. This was changed a week or two ago.

sashagabadon · 22/01/2022 19:25

I think it just clears the system quicker than previously. My son was same before Xmas, positive on the Monday lft, negative lft by Wednesday.

Original poster
CovidConfused123 · 22/01/2022 19:31

Because we’ve been advised by her school because of a radid increase of cases massively affecting their staff to test daily!
That’s why I test her!
The reason I test myself daily is because I’ve been so unwell with long Covid I haven’t always known if I’ve picked it up again or if these are ongoing Covid symptoms!

OP posts:
SkepticalCat · 22/01/2022 19:32

[quote modgepodge]@SkepticalCat in England you can now end isolation after 5 days if you have 2 LFTs, on days 4 and 5. You can then leave isolation on day 6. This was changed a week or two ago.[/quote]
No, test on days 5 and 6. Can leave on day 7.

(Counting Day 1 as the day after a positive test or when symptoms began).

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection#SymptomsPositiveTest

to not understand how positive LFT for 2 days is now suddenly negative?
SkepticalCat · 22/01/2022 19:51

Apologies, you can leave on Day 6 if LFTs on days 5 and 6 are both negative.

Original poster
CovidConfused123 · 22/01/2022 20:07

Yes thank you I understand that and wouldn’t leave any sooner

OP posts:
waterrat · 22/01/2022 20:09

I'm sorry you have long covid and I can see this all must be worrying but testing yourself daily sounds like a recipe for constant anxiety.

Your daughter obviously had a mild case of covid which is very quickly leaving her system due to her healthy immune response. That's great ..just follow the normal isolation rules she can stop isolating on day 6.

Memyselfandfood · 22/01/2022 20:20

@WanderingLost167

Just had this with my 7 year old DS, will test again tomorrow, and end isolation if still negative
No! That is not how it works!