
Shelves are littered with different types of tests, so keep the following factors in mind when shopping. When it comes to choosing the right test for your situation, you might be wondering where to start. Instead, a negative antigen test should be followed by another test 48 hours later. Most at-home COVID-19 tests are antigen-based tests, and the CDC emphasizes that a single antigen-based test does not rule out infection. There are a couple types of COVID-19 tests: PCR-based tests (called nucleic acid amplification tests), which are performed in a laboratory and detect genetic material of the virus, and antigen-based tests, which are rapid tests and a good option for people who want results quickly, as they provide a diagnosis in about 15 to 30 minutes. Even if you don’t experience symptoms, the CDC recommends testing five days after exposure. From there, watch for symptoms-such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath-and if they develop, the CDC recommends getting tested and isolating immediately.

Regardless of vaccination status, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends masking up immediately. Adults Took An At-Home COVID-19 Test In The Past 3 Months, Survey RevealsĮxperts suggest it’s still a smart move to take the appropriate health measures if you think you were exposed to the COVID-19 virus. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

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