Tested positive

[watersoul]

Hi I tested positive today with cold symptoms and a temperature, also body aches. I had plans for the weekend. Has anyone tested positive recently and how long did it last?

Anyone? I feel awful today so looking for some hope!

It was 10 days for me last time.

If you only just tested positive today then you're not going to be free of infection by the weekend. Sorry.

My cousin caught it recently, he’s in his 70’s and was quite ill for 2 days, then fully recovered after a week. His Wife, who has a lung condition was sent to hospital as her levels were really low. She was in hospital for a while and has only just come home. This was the first time they caught it, as they don’t go out often.

Of course she can!
I tested positive for only one day back in December and was negative the following few days.

1. It is very unusual to only test positive for one day. If OP is positive today and feeling awful then they will likely be positive for a few more days at least.

2. Testing negative isn't the same as not being infectious.
   You can continue to be infectious for several days after you test negative.
   The advice is to be 24 hours clear of symptoms, and to then take extra precautions for 5 days after that.

So, to answer OP's question based on the current evidence and advice - being able to go out and socialise at the weekend is extremely unlikely.

I was only unwell for a few hours and dp 2 days ... it varies a lot from person to person.

I tested positive with similar symptoms last week. It took 8 days to get a negative.

Thanks all. I'm definitely doing better this afternoon but resigned to the fact I will most likely need to cancel plans this weekend.

Current NHS guidance

"You are no longer required to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.

"But if you or your child have tested positive for COVID-19:

• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day the test was taken if you or your child are under 18 years old – children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults
• try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days after the day you took your test if you are 18 years old or over
• avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for 10 days after the day you took your test"

So yes, you should be at home, and warning contacts (who can then decide for themselves what level of risk they wish to take - do not impose it on them unawares)

You can't tell who has a weakened immune system just be looking, so you can follow the spirit of the 3rd tiret by wearing a mask in indoors public places if you would find it difficult to be sure there are not more vulnerable people present.

@watersoul how long did you feel unwell for in the end?

@kiwiandcherries about a week. The first few days were the worst.

Thank you. I know everyone is different but I was trying to get an idea of how many of my plans I need to cancel.

I hope you feel better soon.