After 2 years of successfully avoiding Miss 'Rona, I unfortunately tested positive for Covid on my antigen test this AM prior to my flight from Baja back to the US. I spoke with several different United reps (calls kept getting dropped) but was getting different answers as far as when I was allowed to return. I had very mild symptoms that appeared several days ago, and one rep told me that the 10 day quarantine clock would start at that time. Another told me the 10 day clock started when the positive result came back, and this rule was set in stone. Also, from what I've seen online some places are saying 5 days and others are saying 10. Could I get back any sooner if I am able to get a negative test? Seems silly that the CDC recommends people in the states only have to quarantine for 5 days as long as you are feeling better, though they have different restrictions as far as travel. Worse places to be stranded I suppose... Any input is appreciated!

United's website is quite clear.

You cannot fly for a minimum of 10 days from date of positive test.

That 5-day wait is a recommendation if you were with someone who tested positive. The CDC says:

• You tested positive for COVID-19.
  • Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms.

It used to be that they would tell you not to restest, but show up with the positive test and a proof of recovery. Now it appears they will accept either https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019...ess%20exempted.
Further down on the page it says people who test positive can keep testing positive for months, which is why they were saying don't retest, get the proof of recovery.