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Is it possible to get rebound covid multiple times? I tested positive for covid for five days, then tested negative for a week, then got a sore throat and tested positive, and continued testing positive for 14 days, then tested negative on two tests 48 hours apart, but then tested positive again. I did not take paxlovid as it conflicts with other medications I take. After I start testing negative again, is it possible that I could rebound a third time? At what point can I be sure that I won't rebound again?
Scientists have found that Covid rebound occurs relatively frequently and might reflect a natural process of the disease, so testing negative and then testing positive a few days later is more common than originally believed. And, it does not appear to only be a phenomenon for those treated with oral antivirals (such as Paxlovid). See recent publication from CDC.
I think the best recommendation is that if you get infected with Covid, you should remain at home isolation for at least 5 days, assuming that symptoms have largely resolved by that time. When a person leaves home isolation, they should continue to wear a well-fitting mask (like an KN95 mask) whenever in indoor public spaces for at least 10-14 days.
