In an emergency situation, I accompanied a boy to the hospital after he fell from a building. Five hours later, he was declared COVID 19 positive. We were shocked because his main issues were trauma related, with loss of consciousness and inability to use his hands and legs. How reliable are RTPCR and Rapid Antigen Test results in such situations? How does this affect people like us who were asymptomatic but in close contact? Can an asymptomatic person spread COVID 19, and if yes, for how many days are they contagious?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Bhanu Prakash

General Practitioner

MBBS
AFIH
Advanced certificate in critical care medicine
Fellowship in critical care medicine
10+ Yrs

Consult Now

Asymptomatic individuals can spread COVID, especially 2 days before symptoms and up to 10 days after infection. RTPCR is reliable but can rarely be false.

Dr. Bhanu Suggests...

Take a Covid 19 RTPCR With Home Collection Test

Book Covid 19 RTPCR With Home Collection Test

Answered 15/09/2025

More COVID 19 RT PCR WITH HOME COLLECTION Health Queries

View all

Does Covid 19 stay in clothes?

Answered by Apollo Doctors

I was tested for COVID 19 on the 3rd and 7th day after coming in contact with a COVID positive person. Both tests were negative, although I had a bad sore throat at the time. On the 10th day, I experienced reduced sense of smell and a fever of 99.4 degrees F in the afternoon. I started following a COVID protocol, and today is my 13th day. I no longer have a sore throat, but sometimes I still get a fever of 99.4 degrees F. When should I test again, and how long will it take for me to fully recover?

Answered by Apollo Doctors

Since this afternoon, I have developed cough and mild cold, and by evening, a sore throat with the urge to clear my throat. I do not have fever, body pain, or weakness. I visited my general physician, who said it is likely viral. However, I recently came into close contact with someone who had a cold, although they are fine now. Do I need to get tested? Please advise. I am fully vaccinated and have previously recovered from COVID19.

Answered by Apollo Doctors

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.