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I had a very bad respiratory infection in the beginning of January (began January 5th) and I tested January 6th but received a negative PCR. On the 12th once I felt better, I did another PCR and it came back positive so I quarantined. On the 20th, I had similar symptoms but decided to get a rapid test and came back negative. Now, on the 26th I decided to test on PCR and Antigen and both came back positive. I'm confused as to why I went from positive, to negative, then positive 20 days after Omicron symptoms. Am I still infectious?
There could be two points that could be confusing this issue:
First, there are differences between the characteristics and capabilities of the rapid antigen test (RAT) and PCR test. The RAT is good for testing if a person is shedding the virus but it also has some chance of being “false negative” meaning that it gives you a negative test despite actually being positive. Whereas the PCR test is ultra-sensitive and has a miniscule chance of being “false negative”, on the other hand the PCR test can be “false positive” such that you can test positive despite actually being no longer infectious.
Second, since it is winter, you could have experienced an infection from any number of respiratory viruses that commonly circulate at this time of year. So, based on your symptoms you could have had 2 or more different viral infections sequentially.
To protect the health of those around you, I would isolate for at least 5 days from your last positive test. On the 6th day, you may emerge from isolation but you should continue to wear a well-fitting face mask and observe physical distancing when out in public.
