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Is it possible to have covid without testing positive on a rapid test, then only test positive near the END of covid infection? Qquarantined with family, they all got sick but I did not - they are all testing negative after 5 days but I am testing positive only today. I have been having symptoms for 5 days, but have been testing negative besides today. What's the likelihood of me getting better within a two day span?
Yes, it is common to test negative (even repeatedly) on a rapid test, when you in fact may be infected. The rapid tests are not the most sensitive test, certainly not in comparison to the PCR tests. Also, you may be infectious before you have symptoms or after you have symptoms and not during the time when you have symptoms. So, feeling sick does not necessarily equate to the times when you are infectious. This is why I implore people to wear a mask even when you feel well, as you could be infectious before you recognize that you’ve been infected (such as soon after a gathering) or after an illness.
