I have COVID-19 symptoms but tested negative. Why is this happening and what to do then?
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Fever, fatigue, loss of taste, smell, and other clear symptoms of COVID-19, but negative for coronavirus at home? More and more people report such a situation, informs CNBC. Scientists are checking if the reason is Omikron BA.5. However, they already pay attention to other possible causes and advise what is best to do then.

  1. There is currently no reason to believe that antigen tests cannot detect the BA.5 sub-variant
  2. Mohamed Z. Satti, infectious disease specialist: home tests still work and are sensitive enough to rely on
  3. One of the causes of the problem may be improper home antigen testing, another that our symptoms are not COVID-19, but e.g. a cold
  4. Doctors advise that when symptoms similar to COVID-19 occur and regardless of test results, initiate self-isolation and remember to wear protective masks.
  5. More information can be found on the TvoiLokony home page

Negative test result despite symptoms. The guilty sub-variant BA.5?

«If you are confused, why is your coronavirus test consistently negative despite experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? You are not the only one »- reports CNBC, noting that more and more people are reporting this problem. Even those with symptoms typical of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and loss or disturbance of taste and / or smell. Recall that antigen tests are recommended to be performed at the initial stage of the disease, up to five to seven days after the onset of symptoms.

Scientists are working to find out the exact cause. It is possible that it is a sub-variant of Omicron BA.5. “When a new mutation occurs, it can somehow alter the structure of the virus’s various proteins and result in decreased antigen detection through testing,” explains Esther Babady, head of clinical microbiology at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. “It may also be that BA.4 or BA.5 infections do not produce enough SARS-CoV-2 protein” (antigen tests detect coronavirus protein particles / antigens).

However, there is currently no reason to believe that antigen tests cannot detect BA.5. As emphasized by Mohamed Z. Satti, an infectious disease specialist, it is too early to make such a claim. The doctor believes that people should continue to use home antigen testing if they are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to the pathogen. “Based on all the data so far, I can see that home testing is still working and sensitive enough to rely on,” she says, stressing that “people should still be doing home testing”.

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Negative test result despite symptoms. Experts about other possible causes

Experts point to possible reasons why the test may test negative despite COVID-19 symptoms. Mohamed Z. Satti believes that one of them may be the inaccurate use of home antigen tests. Doctors are more skilled at performing tests than the average person, she points out, so false-negative results could be due to improper home testing.

Esther Babady points out another point: “There are many tests on the market, and not all are created equal. In her opinion, the problem may also be related to a specific brand.

Another option to consider is that it’s not COVID-19, but a cold or other respiratory virus-related ailments. On the other hand, “we live in a time where SARS-CoV-2 is the most likely explanation for respiratory infections,” says Dr. Babady.

The microbiologist reminds us to self-isolate when experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms and remember to wear masks when there are other people around us, regardless of the test results. Even our mild symptoms can develop into a severe form of the disease in someone else.

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COVID-19 symptoms but negative test result. What is worth doing then?

Esther Babady recommends a PCR test (detects SARS-CoV-2 genetic material). «PCR tests have always been more sensitive than antigen tests. They’re a great option if you’re concerned about the accuracy of your home test result, “she says, adding,” If someone has a strong suspicion that they have BA.5 and their antigen test is negative, the PCR test will really rule that out. “

If you are unable to perform a PCR test, test yourself with home antigen tests for a few days, advises Kevin Dieckhaus, head of the infectious disease department at UConn Health Medical Center. The expert suggests that if symptoms persist, consider testing three times in three days, with a 24-hour interval between each test.

«Classically, you would have to have two tests done within 24 hours, with a negative result, to be sure of the result. It is currently debated that more testing may need to be done in the longer term ».

We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time Joanna Kozłowska, author of the book High Sensitivity. A Guide for Those Who Feel Too Much »says that high sensitivity is not a disease or dysfunction – it’s just a set of characteristics that affect the way you perceive and perceive the world. What are the genetics of WWO? What are the perks of being highly sensitive? How to act with your high sensitivity? You will find out by listening to the latest episode of our podcast.

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