Did you find this answer helpful? Subscribe to keep up with all things Lifelong Learning.
Hello,I have a question about when it is safe to see someone who's tested positive for covid. My partner (who I don't live with) is on day 15 after testing positive for COVID-19. Unfortunately they're still testing positive on a rapid antigen test. They have an immune system disorder (narcolepsy). They haven't had a fever in almost a week and all of their cold-like symptoms are gone. They're still dealing with fatigue, nerve pain, and soreness, all of which they can sometimes struggle with even when they don't have covid (although it's at a notable high level at the moment). My question is when is it safe to see them? Is there any information out there on what to do if people keep testing positive so far out after first getting sick? Should I wait till they receive a negative test or is it okay to see them once a certain amount of time has passed, if so how much time? I also live with someone who's very concerned about covid protocol and playing it very safe and they're nervous about me seeing my partner. Any advice or links to any pertinent information or studies would be incredibly helpful! Thank you so much!
Some people, especially those who are immunocompromised, experience prolonged periods of shedding of the virus. Normally, shedding of the virus is confined to just the first 5 days of a symptomatic infection. However, the test positive at 15 days into the illness may be indicating the rare instance of prolonged shedding. You also have a roommate who has voiced concerns of getting infected. Everyone has a different tolerance of perceived risk and your roommate has made clear their anxiety. So, I think it will be best for you to plan to in-person visit your partner only when they have tested negative.
