Updated Aug. 16, 2023
If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please get a COVID-19 test.
Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Runny nose or congestion
- Sore throat
- Fever or chills
- Excessive tiredness (fatigue)
- Loss of taste and smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Less common symptoms include: headache, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
If you have symptoms, test immediately:
- If you are going to take only one type of test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable test result
- If you use an antigen test, a positive result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate
- If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can
If you are not experiencing symptoms, test five days after exposure:
Get a COVID-19 test five days after exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. In the meantime, monitor your symptoms closely. Our Symptom Tracker can help you keep track. You do not need to isolate, but please wear a mask for 10 days when around other people.
- If you are going to take only one type of test, a PCR test will provide a more reliable test result
- If you use an antigen test, a positive result is reliable, but a negative test is not always accurate
- If your antigen test is negative, take another antigen test after 48 hours or take a PCR test as soon as you can
- If your second antigen test is negative, wait another 48 hours and test a third time
If you test positive for COVID-19:
Stay home for at least five days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first five days.
- Stay home and separate from others as much as possible. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others in your home
- Use a separate bathroom, if possible
- Take steps to improve ventilation at home, if possible
- Don’t share personal household items, like cups, towels and utensils
- Do not travel
If your symptoms are improving, you may end isolation after day five if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
If your test is positive, contact a health care provider to learn about treatment options that may be available to you. Treatment should be started within the first few days to be most effective.