When to Use a Self-Test
Hi, my name is Keisha and I'm going to walk you through scenarios
of when to use a COVID-19 self-test to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,
and what to do with the results.
Maya has one or more COVID-19 symptoms. She might feel sick enough to call or visit her healthcare provider,
but to get some information now, Maya can take a self-test to determine if she currently has the virus that causes COVID-19.
A self-test, sometimes called a home test or an at-home test,
may be the easiest and fastest way to determine if Maya has COVID-19.
Self-tests are also a great option if Maya does not have symptoms
but has been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
If Maya believes she was in close contact with someone who has COVID-19,
she could use a self-test 5 to 7 days after close contact or sooner if she develops symptoms.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has a suspected
or confirmed case of COVID-19, you should get tested regardless of your vaccination status.
When used with other prevention measures, such as vaccination, masking, and physical distancing,
self-tests help protect you and others by reducing the chance of spreading the virus.
Self-tests are easy to use, produce results fast, and a positive result lets you know if you need to isolate.
Results from self-tests can help Maya determine if she is at risk of spreading the virus to others
during future activities. For example, Maya might perform a self-test
before meeting with a group of friends for a holiday dinner, or before spending time
with certain people like children who are not yet eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine,
older adults, people with a weakened immune system or who are at risk of severe disease.
If Maya lives with someone at risk of severe disease, she might also choose to self-test
after traveling or attending an event where she might have been in close contact with someone who
may unknowingly have had COVID-19. Performing more than one test over two or three days,
after visiting with others, improves the reliability of self-testing results.
Maya keeps self-tests in her medicine cabinet to make it easy to test as soon as she experiences
symptoms or 5 to 7 days after potential close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Maya also carefully reads the complete manufacturer s instructions before using a self-test.
When she runs out of self-tests, she can buy more at a pharmacy or other retail store,
or obtain them for free online or from her local community health center or health department.
If she has questions about self-testing, there are many people who can help,
including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and health departments.
Remember if you have COVID-like symptoms, you should get tested or use a self-test immediately
and follow the quarantine guidance link in the video description.
If you live with others or need to leave your home, practice physical distancing and wear a well-fitting mask.
Seek medical care if your symptoms become worse.
This helps you prevent the spread of the virus and take care of yourself.
Thanks for doing your part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Remember,
even if you are up to date on your vaccinations, CDC recommends that you get a COVID-19 test
if you have COVID-19 symptoms or think you've been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
Test to protect!
Testing is just one part of preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Testing, along with getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings,
and physical distancing are the best ways to protect yourself and your community.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus.