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Can IgM positive after COVID recovery indicate re-infection?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My husband got infected with COVID-19 three months ago. After 14 days, he recovered, and the result was negative too, but as a part of the company procedure, he underwent a rapid test last week that showed IgM positive and IgG negative. Is he infected for the second time? How many days will it take to deliver the negative results for IgM?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

He is IgG-negative, IgM-positive. It means his immune system is still fighting a virus, or maybe he got it for the second time. Even though it is asymptomatic, he can still transfer the disease to others. So I suggest he needs to be self-isolated and regularly check his pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. If he develops some symptoms, take him to the hospital immediately. As you mentioned, he was COVID-19 positive, recovered, and the test was negative. So I suggest they made some error, or maybe he was not cured completely. That is why his immune system is still fighting the virus. Or perhaps he is infected for the second time. So it is better to observe him. I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

The first time he got sick was three months ago. Now his test results do not show IgG positive. Once recovered, his body has to produce IgG. Last time he took the RT-PCR test.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Recently he took the test, and it showed IgM antibodies positive. It means his body is currently fighting the virus. So it is better to keep him isolated, and if he develops some symptoms, you should take him to the hospital and check his temperature and pulse regularly. Even though he is asymptomatic, he needs to be observed.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At September 27, 2022
Reviewed AtJune 13, 2024

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