Posible False positive when returning from Europe?

test w the Antigen, if positive, test with the PCR and go from there.

I'd put away the money or buy some kind of insurance to afford to stay in case you can't return or I wouldn't go. Your trip will not be relaxing with the fear of getting Covid hanging over your head.

Yeah, that's a question that many of us have pondered. I'd consider taking some of those self-tests with you and test yourself periodically along the way. That way you're not surprised at the last minute, or worrying about every little throat tickle or sniffle you might pick up.

Chances of getting the Delta? Who can say? Asymptomatic carriers have been a problem all along.

I'm with Stan. Yes, I've considered that (either false-positive or actual positive results) and while I am retired and don't "have" to get back it would be a pain...especially if you had to find a quarantine hotel with room service.

Sorry but if you're "very concerned" about not being able to return when scheduled, you should not go on the trip. There seem to be a significant number of vaccinated people getting mild or asymptomatic cases. This is one of the reasons that I wouldn't even consider going to Europe this year. It's very annoying that the US Government treats vaccinated people the same as unvaccinated.

Agree with not waiting till the last day to take your test for return, to give you time for a PCR test as a follow up. But truthfully, it is a risk this year and if that would make a difference in your enjoyment or finances, you need to take that into consideration. It is a real possibility.

The icidence of false positives has always been higher for the rapid tests. That's why a positive test is followed up with a PCR. The Delta variant is surging all over the place now, and some experts are expecting it to get worse once school starts. So, yes, you could pick it up while abroad.

Testing yourself in advance of your return home is fine, but you need to consider what will happen if you are positive. Do you have the insurance coverage or cash to cover your expenses for a full quarantine period plus new flight home? Can you be away from work for an extra 2+ weeks? If the answer to any of those questions is no, then you need to consider your risk tolerance. Do you feel lucky? Well do you?

There seem to be a significant number of vaccinated people getting
mild or asymptomatic cases. This is one of the reasons that I wouldn't
even consider going to Europe this year. It's very annoying that the
US Government treats vaccinated people the same as unvaccinated.

You warn that vaccinated people can contract COVID, yet you are annoyed that they are treated the same as unvaccinated (covid test required) Do you not see the incongruity? Delta is much more transmissable. And there's no 100% guarantee that a vaccinated person couldn't pass it on to someone else.

The latest study that I could find suggests that the Pfizer vaccine is 88% effective in preventing hospitalisation against the Delta variant but only 39% effective against you catching it. Many people are asymptomatic.

The chances of you catching Covid are obviously higher if you are going to be in busy places, eating in restaurants rather than self catering, staying in hotels rather than in an apartments and using public transport rather than hiring a car. Mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitising will reduce your risk. Infection rates have been highest in Lisbon and Porto.

If you can’t be flexible with your return date if required, then maybe now isn’t the time for an overseas trip, unfortunately. You will probably be ok, but there is some risk.

Thanks, Everyone, for your helpful information and suggestions. Although retired, having to stay over quarantined would sure put a damper on our trip. Yes, we would/have taken repatriation insurance in event of illness, but would not help if testing positive for Covid/Delta. Decided most of you are right about postponing it - again - so looking at May 2022. LN

From a report I read a couple weeks ago, blow your nose before having a nasal swab done. If you’re not infected but somehow some Covid-19 particles just entered your nose, blowing could help get rid of them, reducing the likelihood they would create a tale positive result.

It seem a lot of people are concerned about getting a positive test and having to quarantine before returning to the US but I’m worried about actuality getting sick with COVID while overseas so no Europe for me this year. I’m vaccinated but still… I would not want to be hospitalized, possibly needing a ventilator, in a foreign country.

Currently In Portugal most hotels are also requiring a negative Covid test regardless of the CDC vaccination card. Restaurants are also requiring vaccination or negative Covid tests. That can add up to a lot of Covid tests while there. We had a trip planned for October, but I think we we going to wait until Spring. Finding a testing site and waiting for the results really put a crimp in being able to really enjoy the trip and it eats into valuable vacation time.

We had this same concern and today we decided to cancel our August trip to Switzerland and France. The risk is small (but not zero) that you could be asymptomatic and still test positive. We didn't want to deal with the need to quarantine for up to 14 days in France.