What happens if you have a positive test with no symptoms?

[Lemonylemony]

I’ve been asked to take a coronavirus test by the symptom tracker app, I think because I’ve had fatigue and headaches. They said it is part of research and important to do if I can. I’ve not had temperature, cough or loss of smell.

If it comes back positive obviously I’ll have to self-isolate, but how long for? If I had symptoms it’s 10 days from first symptom. But if you don’t have symptoms?

I guess it would be 10 days from the day the test was taken.

Exactly the same as if you had symptoms. You're isolating so you don't pass it on.

If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19, self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, restart your 10-day isolation from the day you developed symptoms.

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

Point being @Tanith that if you don’t have symptoms when do you self-isolate from and how long for, it’s not the same as having symptoms you can count as day 1.

10 days from test wouldn’t be too bad. Could do with the headspace away from work tbh! I’ve worked right through and only had the off day off here and there. Fatigue and headaches is probably just stress and exhaustion.

Well, when did your fatigue and headaches start? Those are the symptoms for which you are seeking a test, aren't they?

It's 10 days from the date you took the test. This happened to MIL, she was asymptomatic and that's what she was advised.

Yes, it's 10 days from the date of the test.

Thanks all for the confirmation, esp that link, I find the gov.uk site difficult to navigate.