12 yo has symptoms, pcr booked, travel after - question??

[iamthedanger]

Ds has some symptoms (assumed it was a cold as his best mate had one last week), been doing all Lf tests as usual, all negative. Have him booked for pcr tomorrow. IF its positive he should be clear by time we travel (14 days from onset of symptoms) and of course we will all self isolate and test if needed. But my question is will his pre departure test be negative?? How long can it read positive?

From gov.uk:

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

Testing after your isolation period has ended

If you have tested positive by PCR for COVID-19, you will probably have developed some immunity to the disease. However, it cannot be guaranteed that everyone will develop immunity, or how long it will last. It is possible for PCR tests to remain positive for some time after COVID-19 infection.

Anyone who has previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result should not be re-tested within 90 days of that test, unless they develop any new symptoms of COVID-19.

^If, however, you do have an LFD antigen test within 90 days of a previous positive COVID-19 PCR test, for example as part of a workplace or community testing programme, and the result of this test is positive, you and your household should self-isolate and follow the steps in this guidance again.
If it is more than 90 days since you tested positive by PCR for COVID-19, and you have new symptoms of COVID-19, or a positive LFD antigen or PCR test, follow the steps in this guidance again.^

Thanks kitchen, I actually read that but still not clear re travel. He has to have to pre travel test due to age and not vaccinated - if its positive we can't travel but it might still be reading positive from his prior infection (clear as mud, no?)

But that's the point - he will potentially still test positive for up to 90 days. That's why they don't recommend another PCR in that timeframe.

The quick answer is yes he might still test positive and then you wouldn't be able to travel.

@iamthedanger - hope you don't mind me asking but are you still planning to get your DS a pcr pre travel ? We are in a similar boat in that DD has been positive for 2 days and we are due to fly in 14 days. From everything I have read online seems likely that she will still test positive.

Yes he may test positive. Can he do a lateral flow antigen to fly to the country youre going to as best chance of testing negative? I tested negative on those PCRs for travel after having it though, within a few days of symptoms clearing

I think you can use proof of recovery from previous infection instead of a test? Some countries ask for this as an option. Not sure how you would get proof though. Maybe a letter from you GP that you would have to pay for.

@atlanta6545 - that's interesting- did you have symptoms for a long time? DD was headachey and hot for 24 hrs but then relatively ok. She needs PCR for Spain so lateral flow not enough. We're trying to decide whether to cancel or book test 48hrs before we go and pray that it's negative.

I have to say that we would never have booked for this summer with how things are, but the holiday was actually booked for last year and we moved it. Moving it to next year may be possible but it feels a bit groundhog day

If you can rebook that is your best option.

Tests can show positive for up to 90 days.
Even if you get a positive to travel out, there is a possibility that the test taken before travelling back to the UK will show positive from the previous infection, in which case you are stuck in another country at their mercy.

We gave decided it is too much of a risk, and have delayed last year's holiday for the second time.

Absolutely gutted but can't take the risk of being stuck in another country quarenteening.

*negative to travel out

There is also the chance that the rest of the family may now also develop covid - my husband had it and just as we were due to end isolation dd developed it.

There is also a possibility you don't get it and that he tests negative 14 days after a positive test (has happened to a friend). Problem is how much you are relying on that.... what is your cancellation policy like? I don't think we have the flexibility for the "recently recovered from covid" passport which the EU has. What a pain xx

Yes @peppaminttea - I think we have reached the conclusion that we won't be going. It was nice to have a glimmer of hope though ....

I think it would be too risky with all the variables. We all took pcr tests yesterday but are well aware that the rest of us could test positive anytime between now and departure date.

Trying to be philosophical but DC are taking it hard as they've had such a crap year. Keep telling them that they are not alone, lucky to have been getting a holiday yaddah, yaddah, yaddah.

@FrauleinSchweiger It's rubbish isn't it. Our holiday is always the highlight of our children's year and a much needed break, especially now. We have days out here planned but it is not the same.

I know- we also have back up plans for a night or two away in this country but it's all a bit meh. Am trying desperately to cheer them up but teenagers are programmed to be "hard done by", or at least mine are .

Hope you manage to have some fun times and let's hope for better times ahead