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About COVID-19 Testing

If you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, testing is an important way to protect your family, friends, and community. Home-based testing by antigen is the most convenient way to test for COVID-19.
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COVID-19 testing FAQs

When and why

Who should get tested for COVID-19?
We recommend you get tested for COVID-19 if you have respiratory symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19. Home-based testing by antigen is increasingly the most convenient way to test for COVID-19.
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At-home tests

How can I get a home antigen testing kit?

You can buy home COVID-19 tests at many retail pharmacies or online. Below are some options to pick up or order COVID-19 tests:

I tested positive at home. Do I need to get a PCR test?

If you use a home testing kit and test positive, you have COVID-19. You do not need a PCR (or any other) test for confirmation. Please stay home and away from others until:

  • Your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours AND
  • You have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).
  • No need to do repeat COVID-19 testing.
I tested negative, but I still have respiratory symptoms. What should I do?

If you have respiratory symptoms, you should stay home and away from others until:

  • Your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours AND
  • You have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

If you have no symptoms, you do not need to stay home and away from others.

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Testing positive

Am I at high risk for severe COVID-19?

High-risk conditions for severe COVID-19 include undergoing treatment for cancer, currently taking medications for transplant, or immunosuppressant medications for other conditions. Other high-risk conditions, including having chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; HIV; obesity; and age 65 years or older, may predispose you to worse symptoms from COVID-19 or influenza. The CDC has more information.

If you have one or more conditions that put you at high-risk for severe COVID-19, this may make you eligible for outpatient COVID-19 therapies if you get COVID.

I tested positive. I'm not at high risk for severe disease, but I am worried about my symptoms. What should I do?

If you test positive, have mild symptoms, and have no risk factors for severe disease, stay home until:

  • Your symptoms have been getting better for 24 hours AND
  • You have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

If you have moderate symptoms, call your doctor.

If you have severe symptoms, go to the emergency room.

I tested positive and I am at high risk for severe disease. I'm worried about my symptoms. What should I do?
If you are at high risk for severe disease, then you should either contact your doctor’s office to ask about COVID-19 treatment or go to a local urgent care clinic or emergency room.
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Updated October 15, 2025
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