Did you know over 1 million Americans test positive for COVID-19 daily? If you’re one of them, it’s key to take steps to care for yourself and stop the virus from spreading. The CDC guidelines tell you what to do after a positive COVID-19 test.
First, call your healthcare provider right away after a positive test. They’ll guide you on treatment and watch your symptoms. Then, stay home, wear a mask around others, and watch your health closely.
Tell your close contacts about your test so they can get tested too. They need to protect themselves and others. Keep following the isolation rules and safety steps even when you feel better. This helps keep your community safe.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your healthcare provider immediately after a positive COVID-19 test
- Isolate yourself at home and wear a mask when around others
- Inform your close contacts so they can get tested and take precautions
- Follow isolation guidelines and continue safety measures even after recovery
- Seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or you have concerns
Types of COVID-19 Tests
There are two main types of tests for COVID-19: NAATs and antigen tests. NAATs include PCR tests. Knowing the differences helps people make better health choices.
Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs)
NAATs, like PCR tests, are very accurate and sensitive. They find the SARS-CoV-2 virus. You need a healthcare provider to take a sample, and results take up to 3 days.
NAATs are the top choice for diagnosing COVID-19.
Antigen Tests
Antigen tests are quick, giving results in 15-30 minutes. They look for proteins on the virus. This makes them good for fast testing.
But, they’re not as reliable as NAATs, especially for those without symptoms.
Self-tests, or at-home COVID-19 tests, let people test themselves quickly at home. They’re useful but can have false results.
“Understanding the differences between COVID-19 tests can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.”
The right test depends on your situation, healthcare access, and how urgent your test is. Always talk to a healthcare professional to choose the best test for you.
Choosing the Right COVID-19 Test
Choosing the right COVID-19 test is key. If you haven’t had COVID-19 or tested positive in the past 90 days, you can pick between a NAAT or an antigen test. But, if you tested positive in the last 30 days, the FDA suggests an antigen test if you’re showing symptoms. If you’re not showing symptoms, it’s best to skip testing.
If you tested positive 31-90 days ago, the FDA says to use an antigen test, with or without symptoms. It’s important to follow the test’s instructions and test again as advised for accurate results when choosing covid-19 test.
When to Use NAAT vs. Antigen Tests
- If you’ve not had COVID-19 or a positive test in the past 90 days, you can choose either a NAAT or antigen test.
- If your previous positive test was within the last 30 days, use an antigen test if you have symptoms, and avoid testing if you don’t have symptoms.
- For positive tests between 31-90 days ago, use an antigen test regardless of whether you have symptoms.
It’s vital to follow the test maker’s instructions and test again as advised. This ensures you get accurate results when when to use NAAT vs antigen test.
| Time Since Previous Positive Test | Recommended Test | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 30 days | Antigen test | With symptoms |
| Less than 30 days | Avoid testing | Without symptoms |
| 31-90 days | Antigen test | With or without symptoms |
| More than 90 days | NAAT or antigen test | With or without symptoms |
Understanding these guidelines helps you make the right choice. This way, you can get accurate results when testing for COVID-19.
Getting Tested for COVID-19
Getting tested for COVID-19 has several options. You can buy self-tests online or at stores. If you have health insurance, it might cover these tests, making them easier to get.
You can also go to a testing site like a pharmacy or health center. These places offer NAATs and antigen tests, often for little or no cost. Your local health department might also offer free tests to detect COVID-19.
Buy Self-Tests (At-Home Tests)
Self-tests let you check for COVID-19 at home. You can buy them online or at stores. Many health insurance plans now cover the cost of free at-home covid tests.
Visit a Testing Location
For a full testing experience, visit a community covid testing sites like a pharmacy or clinic. These spots offer NAATs and antigen tests. This gives you more ways to see if you have COVID-19.
If you need help finding a test because of a disability, the Disability Information and Access Line can assist you.
Interpreting Your COVID-19 Test Results
Understanding COVID-19 test results is key to keeping you and others safe. Knowing what your test says helps you make the right choices. Let’s look at what it means if your test is positive or negative.
If Your Test is Positive
A positive COVID-19 test means the virus was found in you. This means you likely have or had the infection. You need to act fast.
You should stay away from others, watch your health, and get medical advice if needed. A positive test shows you can spread the virus to others.
If Your Test is Negative
A negative test means the virus was not found in you. But remember, this doesn’t always mean you’re not infected. If you feel sick, you might still have COVID-19. You should think about testing again or talk to a doctor.
Understanding COVID-19 test results is complex. A positive test means you have the virus. A negative test might not mean you’re clear. Always act on your test results and get medical help if you’re unsure or still feel sick.
Seeking COVID-19 Treatment Immediately
If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, get treatment right away. Medications like antivirals and monoclonal antibodies can greatly reduce the risk of serious illness. They work best when started early, within the first 5-7 days of getting sick.
To get a prescription for these covid-19 treatment options, reach out to your doctor, use a telehealth service, or go to a Test-to-Treat site. These treatments are free for everyone, no matter your insurance or where you’re from.
| Treatment Option | Availability | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Antivirals | Widely available | Mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Limited supply | High-risk individuals with mild to moderate symptoms |
Don’t wait to access free covid-19 treatments. The sooner you get the right medicine, the better your chances of avoiding serious problems. Start by getting a prescription for covid medication as soon as you can.
“Early treatment is key to managing COVID-19 and preventing severe outcomes.”
what happens when you test positive for covid
If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s key to act fast. You need to take care of yourself and stop the virus from spreading. Here are the main steps to follow.
First, you should isolate yourself at home. Stay away from others in your house and don’t go out in public. Keep an eye on your symptoms and get medical help if you see any emergency signs like trouble breathing or constant chest pain.
- Wear a well-fitting mask when around others, even in your own home.
- Inform your close contacts so they can also take precautions.
- Follow the guidance of your healthcare provider on managing your COVID-19 infection at home.
Remember, the steps you take after testing positive can protect your family and community. By following these guidelines, you’re helping to slow the virus spread. This makes a big difference for everyone’s safety.
| Action | Importance |
|---|---|
| Isolate at home | Prevents the spread of the virus to others |
| Monitor symptoms | Ensures timely medical intervention if needed |
| Wear a mask | Reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to household members |
| Inform close contacts | Allows others to take necessary precautions |
“The steps you take after a positive COVID-19 test can have a significant impact on your health and the well-being of those around you.”
Isolating and Preventing Spread
If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s key to follow covid-19 isolation guidelines. You must isolate for at least 5 full days, even if you’re vaccinated or had COVID-19 before.
Isolation Guidelines
The isolation period begins when you first feel symptoms or test positive without symptoms. You can stop isolating after 5 days if you’re symptom-free or your symptoms are getting better. Make sure you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without taking any medicine.
Keep wearing a well-fitting mask around others for the full 10 days. You also need two negative antigen tests at least 24 hours apart to end isolation.
Wearing a Mask
Proper mask wearing to prevent covid spread is crucial during and after isolation. A well-fitting mask protects others from the virus, even if you don’t show symptoms. Always follow the guidelines for proper mask wearing to stop COVID-19 from spreading.
By sticking to these isolation rules and wearing masks correctly, you can lower the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your family and community.
Informing Your Close Contacts
If you test positive for COVID-19, it’s key to tell your close contacts you’ve been exposed. These are people you were near or in a room with when you could have spread the virus. Telling them fast lets them get tested, wear masks, and seek treatment if needed. This helps stop the virus from spreading further.
You have a few ways to tell your close contacts about a positive COVID-19 test. You can talk to them directly, giving them the info and advice they need. Or, you can use anonymous contact tracing tools, like the Tell Your Contacts website, to reach out without sharing your name.
It doesn’t matter how you notify your contacts, the next steps are clear. Tell them to get tested, watch for symptoms, and follow the rules for staying away from others if needed. Being quick and open helps stop the virus from spreading and keeps your community safe.
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Notify Close Contacts | Tell the people you were near or in a room with during your infectious period about their potential exposure. |
| Encourage Testing | Advise your close contacts to get tested for COVID-19, even if they don’t have symptoms. |
| Promote Masking | Recommend that your close contacts wear masks to help prevent the spread of the virus. |
| Suggest Seeking Treatment | Encourage your close contacts to consult a healthcare provider if they develop symptoms or have a positive test result. |
By taking these steps to notify your close contacts, you’re playing a big part in fighting COVID-19. You’re helping protect your loved ones and community. Remember, talking openly and acting responsibly are key to getting through this tough time.
Conclusion
If you test positive for COVID-19, there are key steps to take. First, contact your healthcare provider and stay at home. Keep an eye on your symptoms and get treatment if needed.
Keep wearing a mask and tell your close contacts. Stick to the isolation rules, even when you start to feel better. These steps help protect you and others from COVID-19.
The summary of steps to take after a positive COVID-19 test includes getting medical advice, isolating, watching your health, and wearing a mask. These actions help you and others stay safe from COVID-19.
Your health and the safety of those around you are very important. Stay alert, follow the guidelines, and we can beat this pandemic together.
FAQ
What happens when you test positive for COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19, you need to take key steps. First, tell your healthcare provider about your test result. Then, stay home to prevent spreading the virus. Keep an eye on your symptoms and wear a mask when around others.
Also, tell your close contacts so they can get tested and be careful.
What are the main types of COVID-19 tests?
There are two main COVID-19 tests: NAATs and antigen tests. NAATs, like PCR tests, are very accurate. Antigen tests give quick results but are less reliable, especially for those without symptoms.
How do I choose the right COVID-19 test?
Think about your situation when picking a COVID-19 test. If you haven’t had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, you can choose between NAAT and antigen tests. But, if you tested positive in the last 30 days, use an antigen test if you’re showing symptoms.
If you don’t have symptoms, don’t test. For tests between 31-90 days ago, use an antigen test, with or without symptoms.
How can I get tested for COVID-19?
You can get tested for COVID-19 in several ways. Buy self-tests online or at stores, and check if your insurance covers them. Or, visit a testing site, like a pharmacy or health center, for NAAT or antigen tests, often at little or no cost.
Your local health department might offer free testing too.
How should I interpret my COVID-19 test results?
A positive test means you likely have or had COVID-19. Take steps to stop spreading it, watch your symptoms, and get medical help if needed. A negative test doesn’t mean you’re definitely clear of the virus, especially if you used an antigen test.
If you’re showing symptoms, you might still have COVID-19. Consider retesting or talk to a healthcare provider for advice.
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you test positive, start treatment right away. Medicines like antivirals and monoclonal antibodies can greatly reduce serious illness risks. Get a prescription from your doctor, use telehealth, or visit a Test-to-Treat site.
How should I isolate if I test positive for COVID-19?
Isolate at home for at least 5 days if you test positive. This starts from when symptoms began or your positive test if you had no symptoms. You can stop isolating after 5 days if you’re symptom-free or your symptoms are getting better.
Keep wearing a mask around others for the full 10 days. You can end mask use after two negative antigen tests, 24 hours apart.
What should I do to prevent spreading COVID-19 to my close contacts?
Tell your close contacts they might have been exposed to COVID-19. These are people you were near when you could have spread the virus. Quick contact helps them get tested, wear masks, and seek treatment, stopping the virus from spreading further.