My COVID test is showing false-positive results and I do not have any symptoms. Please help.

Question

Hi doctor,

I am fully vaccinated with Pfizer. I carried out a random lateral flow test and had a positive result which showed a very faint line. I felt a little tired, had no temperature, and my legs hurt a bit. I suffer from vertigo, so anyway, the dizziness I had was normal for me. The next day carried out a lateral flow test that did not come up positive. It was negative. Then I did seven tests throughout the day, all negative for the last four days. I have been testing all negative with no symptoms. I am thinking of one of two options. One is false-positive tests, and the other one, I was getting a very mild infection due to the vaccines, and I just picked up the last day of infectiousness. Just wondering what your thoughts are? I am testing negative on every test, I took 14 tests in total with no symptoms for four days, and I need to go out to buy some food. I work in infection control, so I have a good understanding of COVID-19. It looks pretty unusual. Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. I hope I have been able to clarify your doubt regarding whether you acquired COVID or not. Since you have undergone many tests, and all of them are negative except one, the best possible explanation is that you had an acquired COVID which was only mild as your symptoms were mild, and now you have recovered from it. In such patients, where the sureity of infection is in doubt, we have two options: getting HRCT (High-resolution computed tomography) of chest or getting COVID antibody test. Since you do not have any shortness of breath, I will not suggest HRCT of chest because it will lead to unnecessary radiation exposure. HRCT of chest is advisable only for moderate to severe disease patients with shortness of breath. Coming on to COVID antibodies, since you have got covid vaccine shot, antibodies will invariably be present in your body. These antibodies will not help with the answer to whether you acquired COVID or not. Now coming on to your symptoms, I will like to know if you are still suffering from the symptoms or not. If you are, then I will prescribe you medications that will make you feel better within two days. If you do not have any symptoms, then you are completely recovered. To answer your third issue, please go out to have some food. COVID might not cause death, but hunger may do. Besides, your COVID test is negative, and wearing a mask while in the market will help save you and others. I hope you got some clarity. Please let us know in case of further doubts. Hope this helps. Kindly revert back in case of further queries. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. You are completely fine. Even if you had COVID, it was a mild disease, and you have completely recovered. It sounds odd coming from a doctor, but you do not require any medicine. Stay safe and take care. Hope this helps. Kindly revert back in case of further queries. Thank you.