The Omikron BA.5 lasts longer. How long have you been positive and what does that mean?

The world is closely watching the Omicron BA.5 mutation, and scientists are trying to learn as much as possible about it. BA.5 is known to spread quickly and is good at overcoming immunity. Now there is information about how long the infected remain “positive”. It turns out that it takes longer than with the previous variants. How much and can we infect others during this time? Here’s what the doctors say.

1. The BA.5 mutation is responsible for the next wave of coronavirus infections, not only in Europe, but also in Poland
2. The Omicron sub-variant worries scientists due to its high infectivity
3. Compared to previous mutations, BA.5 also seems to stay in the body longer
4. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Positive coronavirus test longer with BA.5 mutation

«We must not forget the rule: you are sick, stay at home. It saves the lives of others »- recalled Dr. Aneta Afelt, member of the COVID-19 advisory team at the President of the Polish Academy of Sciences in a recent interview with Medonet. The signal for self-isolation is a positive coronavirus test result. How long can this state continue? It turns out that the BA.5 sub-option takes longer than the previous variants. This was recently reported by Dr. Allison Arwady, a leading Chicago physician (commissioner of the city’s Public Health Department).

From March 28, there is no obligation to isolate and quarantine in Poland, although – which is worth emphasizing – self-isolation is still recommended in the case of COVID-19. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines for test-positive individuals are as follows:

«Stay home for at least five days. If after this time you do not have a fever for 24 hours (without antipyretic drugs), you can leave the isolation. However, for the next five days, wear a face mask at home and in public places (if you can’t wear a mask, stay at home and away from other people for 10 days). If symptoms persist and / or fever persists, stay home for up to 24 hours after symptoms have cleared without taking antipyretic drugs ».

My positive test result persists – what should I do?

Considering the above information, NBC Chicago asks the question: If you still test positive after 10 days, do you need to stay in isolation? He emphasizes that “the CDC did not provide detailed guidance on what to do in this situation, but experts commonly say that once symptoms have subsided, you will likely not need to self-isolate”.

Infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Monica Gandhi, previously told CNBC that she “feels really comfortable” with an asymptomatic person who will develop after five days of isolation, even if the results are still positive for COVID-19. “Follow CDC directions and wear the mask for the next five days,” she stressed.

Some doctors say that the safest course of action is to remain in isolation until the coronavirus test negative. However, Dr.Stephen Kissler, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, believes that gradually dropping isolation is not unwise – even if you still get a positive test result. This is especially true when you are fully vaccinated, your symptoms have resolved and you are still (properly) wearing a good quality face mask.

If you have any doubts about your situation, contact your doctor.

Test positive for an extended period of time – can you still contaminate?

“You have to stay home for five days as this period is usually” the most contagious “,” says Dr. Allison Arwady, adding that some who test positive may spread the virus over the following days as well.

A study from Boston University, which cited NBC Chicago, says 17 percent of people were likely still contagious six days after the first positive test.

If the test is still positive after 10 days, it could also be related to the type of test itself. Dr Arwady notes that PCR tests are more likely to continue detecting the virus after infection. “PCR tests are very sensitive,” she explained. «Sometimes they pick up a dead virus from your nose for weeks. You cannot spread it, but the result may be positive ».

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.