People can continue to test positive after recovering from COVID-19. That's because some people will still be infectious after five days, she says. Please see FDA guidance on the use of at-home COVID-19 antigen tests. Isolation and precautions for people with COVID-19. Helpful guidelines if you test positive or negative for COVID-19 - Mayo There are two main types of viral tests: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. With a rapid test, you may test positive for six or seven days after your symptoms have cleared. ** Defined as days since symptom onset if symptomatic, or days since the initial NAAT or antigen test if asymptomatic. Testing is not recommended to detect a new infection. The CDC recommends wearing masks based on how high COVID-19 levels are in your community: These groups may also want to take more precaution: Everyone who has COVID-19 needs to isolate. Some research has aligned more closely with the CDC isolation guidance, which assumes most people will no longer be infectious after five days. Can You Test Positive for COVID If You're Vaccinated? In certain circumstances, one test type may be recommended over the other. During the 10 days after infection, persons might be infectious to others and are recommended to wear a well-fitting mask when around others, even if ending isolation after 5 days. You may continue to test positive on antigen tests for a few weeks after your initial positive. You want to test on day three and five or day four and day six after exposure, just to make sure you are negative, Wells said. Take general public health precautions to prevent spreading an illness to others. A severe case of COVID-19 or weakened immune system can also affect how long you might test positive. When to take a test. Find a mask that fits well, offers good protection, and is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Sometimes an at-home COVID-19 antigen test can have a false-negative result.