If you’re still testing positive after a week…

[CakeRabbit]

… does that mean your body is still fighting the virus and that you’re not really well yet? Or can you be “better” and recovered but still test positive on a LFT?

This is what I'm trying to find out too OP. My test line is just as super dark as it was last week!!!

Do you feel better? I tested positive for at least 15 days and still don't feel completely well after 4 weeks so not sure what that means.

My line was very dark on day 8, completely clear on day 11. I'd say you're still contagious, sorry

You still have fragments of the virus so you are still infectious. How well or unwell you feel is irrelevant.

Here is Canada they tell us not to test for three months after you have had covid as you may test positive as a result of the earlier infection.

@beattieedny

You still have fragments of the virus so you are still infectious. How well or unwell you feel is irrelevant.

My question was whether the virus will still be affecting my body, not how infectious I am.

@Wakemeuuuup

My line was very dark on day 8, completely clear on day 11. I'd say you're still contagious, sorry

It’s not really relevant if I’m contagious or not. What I’m wondering is if the virus is still affecting my body!

@MangyInseam

Here is Canada they tell us not to test for three months after you have had covid as you may test positive as a result of the earlier infection.

That's on PCR, we only have access to LFTs in the UK now (mostly).

OP, it means there is still virus in your system. You may be lucky and your body has fought it off quickly so your immune response and accompanying illness is minimal, but it's still in there.

I was positive for over 10 days. 2 weeks since positive test and I am still shattered and dizzy.

@MangyInseam

Here is Canada they tell us not to test for three months after you have had covid as you may test positive as a result of the earlier infection.

In Scotland they’re saying not to routine LFT for 28 days once you’ve done your 10 (or less) days isolation.

I’m day 10 tomorrow and still positive thought I was on the mend as was getting heavy cold symptoms the mega headaches and sickness seemed to have ended but as the day wore on the nausea started again and I now have started with the sore throat again! I work for the NHS and feel bad I have to continue to be off work as I’m not allowed back until all my symptoms have cleared up and I’m negative!!

Yes I would say the virus is still directly affecting your body while you have a positive lft. Obviously everyone will be affected differently though. I was positive til day 9, dark line til day 8 then it went quickly.

@Bobbybobbins

Yes I would say the virus is still directly affecting your body while you have a positive lft. Obviously everyone will be affected differently though. I was positive til day 9, dark line til day 8 then it went quickly.

It's good to know that the viral load reduced really quickly at the end, thanks. I tested positive 6 days ago and the positive line is just as dark today as it was last week but as I feel like I'm on the mend hopefully I'll get a negative soon :)

That's on PCR, we only have access to LFTs in the UK now (mostly).

No, we aren't doing PCR tests here for the most part either, it's all rapid tests (same as what you call LFTs.)

It may be bad advice, but that is what they are saying.

I wasn't ill and tested positive until day 10