Can you develop covid after a negative test result?

[ssd]

If you have symptoms but test negative, can you develop covid in the next few days?

Well, yes, you could catch it at any time, so of course you could get it after a negative test.

Yes!

I imagine so as the virus is still replicating so may not be at a sufficient level to produce a positive test.

Alternatively you could be ill with something completely different so the test will never turn positive

Of course you can. Your symptoms could have been something else

Yes. You can start with symptoms at any time.

Of course. I think best chance of a positive is something like 48hours after symptoms but good results at 24hrs.

Sorry. Posted too soon.
The symptoms with which you had the first test may have been coincidental, or maybe you just didn't have a high enough viral load (disclaimer- not remotely medical) at the time? But I have definitely heard of this.
And I am assuming you had the 'proper' test rather than lateral flow which apparently givescmany more false negatives.

Ds feels unwell, sore throat, etc . He doesn't live with us. He had a test yesterday, it was negative. I've said he can come home for a few days till he feels better, but is this wise?

He lives alone, I don't want him feeling I'll by himself but I dont know how else to ensure its not covid or going to turn into covid

Yes. About half the people I know who’ve had covid tested negatively first, then did a second test, a few days later, and were positive.

Ok thanks

My friend had classic Covid symptoms but got a negative test. She worsened and ended up at A&E. Doctor was sure it was Covid, did another test and negative. She was in hospital 1 week and in the fourth test it was positive.

She had clots on the lungs as well so no idea why tests were negative so they are not always right

The test is like a pregnancy test, it detects certain levels in your system. If you test too early it won't pick it up. But Covid is still there.

He tested a week ago and yesterday, both negative. I think its like a cold, he feels pretty rough. But I'm very anxious about covid, I think he has to stay in his flat.. feel awful about not letting him home .

How long has he has symptoms then? Can he not be at home but isolate in his room?

He went for a test a week ago but it was negative so hes had symptoms over a week. Hed be sharing the bathroom with us.

I know I'm being too cautious but I'm scared.

So if it was covid he'd be nearly past the isolation period? Was it pcr tests he had as they are less likely to give a false negative?