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A 27-year-old female asked:
I was in close contact with someone who tested positive for covid, yesterday i had chest pains, fever, sore throat, fatigue and dizziness. i went to test yesterday and the results came back as negative. can my results be false negative?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Mark Lubienskianswered
Thoracic Surgery 38 years experience
Yes: Normally takes about 5 days to see symptoms post exposure so unless you were exposed earlier than you think probably not Covid yet. False positive and negative tests do occur. Would self quarantine, get rest and liquids and retest in 3-4 days. Work with physician if positive.
16 viewsReviewed Dec 26, 2020

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
COVID 19: If the contact was yestedray, the test result may not be accurate. Average incubation period for COVID-19 is 2 to14 days (but as little as 1 day), median time is 4-5 days.
16 viewsReviewed Dec 28, 2020
Last updated Mar 8, 2022
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