How Long Will You Test Positive for COVID-19 After Recovery?

How long you will test positive for COVID-19 after recovery depends on several factors. People with asymptomatic or mild illness generally test negative after nine days. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can be positive for up to 90 days after infection.

The discrepancies between tests and the lengths of their positive results boil down to what each test looks for and how sensitive it is. PCR tests are highly sensitive and are good at detecting the virus in your body. Rapid antigen tests are generally less sensitive.

People who tested positive for COVID previously needed to isolate for at least five days. As of March 2024, you can end isolation if your symptoms are improving and you're fever-free for at least 24 hours. You don't need to retest to end isolation. It's important to take additional precautions, such as wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with others for 5 days after you end isolation.

Will Different Tests Show Different Results? 

There are two types of COVID tests: PCR and rapid antigen. Research has found that PCR is the "gold standard" for detecting COVID. PCR tests must be performed in a medical setting, and results can take days. Rapid antigen tests are typically less expensive, produce results within 30 minutes, and can be done at home.

These tests sometimes produce different results. PCR tests are highly sensitive and can easily detect COVID, even if you don't have symptoms. Rapid antigen tests are usually less sensitive and more likely to produce false negative results if you don't have symptoms.

You only need to take one PCR test to confirm a COVID diagnosis. If you have symptoms and test negative with a rapid antigen test, experts advise you to take another rapid antigen test 48 hours after receiving a negative result.

Why Am I Still Testing Positive for COVID-19?

PCR and rapid antigen tests may show different results, even after fully recovering from COVID. You may test negative with a rapid antigen test, but a PCR test can still detect the virus. 

Research has shown that PCR tests may yield positive results for up to three months. That's because SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, can linger in your upper airways after your symptoms subside. The viral particles are weakened and cannot replicate.

Am I Still Contagious If I Test Positive?

You're generally contagious for as long as you test positive with a rapid antigen test. A positive rapid antigen test is more likely to signal the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles than a positive PCR test, especially if you have no symptoms.

People who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms aren't usually contagious after 10 days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that PCR tests detect non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles for three months or longer after recovery. Some evidence suggests that the live virus is not present in the upper airways after nine days. You're likely not contagious after this point.

When To Retest

You don't need to retest after testing positive. The CDC has previously advised that you isolate for five days and then continue to wear a high-quality mask through day 10. As of September 2024, you may end isolation if you're feeling better and are fever-free for at least 24 hours.

The CDC also notes that you may take another test, but retesting is not required to end isolation. If you decide to retest, a rapid antigen test will likely yield the most accurate results.

You may need to test again within three months of a positive COVID test, such as for travel. The CDC advises using a rapid antigen test instead of a PCR test if it's been less than three months. Check your destination's entry requirements, which vary from country to country. Simply being up-to-date on COVID vaccines may supersede the need for a negative test result.

A Quick Review 

Some people may test positive for COVID after recovery. How long you test positive is determined, in part, by what test you use. PCR tests may show a positive result for up to three months, and rapid antigen tests may not detect the virus after nine days.

Take the necessary precautions if you get COVID, including isolating and wearing a mask around others. Talk to a healthcare provider if you develop moderate-to-severe symptoms or aren't improving.

The information in this story is accurate as of publication. However, as the situation surrounding COVID-19 continues to evolve, it's possible that some data have changed since publication. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources.