There is a lot of information circulating regarding things that need to be done after self-isolation. One of them is to re-do an antigen swab after the self-isolation period is over. Is it true that this check needs to be done?
As with PCR, the question of whether or not to do an antigen swab after self-isolation is still ongoing. Some informed that this test needed to be done, some said it was not necessary as long as the patient was no longer symptomatic and had implemented the self-isolation protocol correctly.
Self-isolation is generally done for 10 days, if you are not experiencing any symptoms. However, if you are symptomatic, self-isolation is necessary for 10-14 days plus 3 symptom-free days.
For example, if you have experienced symptoms of fever, cough, or runny nose due to COVID-19, you will need to self-isolate for 10-14 days. If on day 10 you are symptom free, you will still need to self-isolate for the next 3 days. If within these 3 days you remain asymptomatic, the new self-isolation is considered complete.
Is it necessary to do an antigen swab after self-isolation?
After undergoing a quarantine period of 10–14 days and no longer experiencing symptoms, you can now make contact with other people without ignoring health protocols.
Antigen swab after self-isolation is complete no longer necessary. The reason is because the accuracy of the antigen swab is not as good as PCR, so there is a possibility that the results of the antigen swab are false positive or negative.
After all, even though you have recovered, the remnants of Corona virus particles that are inactive or no longer contagious may still be in the body for weeks. In fact, this dead virus may also remain in the patient's body for up to 3 months after being infected with COVID-19.
This could result in an antigen test or PCR test result being positive, even though the patient has recovered and is no longer able to transmit COVID-19.
An antigen swab after self-isolation is not necessary, but if it is needed for other purposes, for example to return to the office or go to another city, you can do it. However, keep in mind, you are not advised to do a self-antigen swab at home, yes.
Even though you have been infected with the Corona virus and declared cured and do not need to undergo a PCR or re-antigen test, you still have to strictly implement health protocols and maintain your body's immunity well. The reason is, you can still get COVID-19, even though repeated COVID-19 infections are quite rare.
If you still have questions about Corona virus infection, you can ask your doctor through the ALODOKTER application. If necessary, you can also make an appointment to see a doctor in person and undergo an examination to make sure that you have recovered from COVID-19.
