Weekly Update for 1.28.22
How to use at-home self tests for COVID-19

If you ordered free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government last week, your tests may have arrived or will be arriving soon.

If used properly, at-home tests are an important tool to help reduce the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Let's review some key points.

When should I use my at-home test?

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19
• Five days after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, regardless of your vaccination status (if you develop symptoms before the 5th day, go ahead and test)
• To screen for COVID-19 immediately before an activity to see if you're positive

Prepare and collect your specimen

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Open the box and follow the instructions included with the self-test to collect your own nasal or saliva specimen.

The following video provides additional guidance on using your at-home self test.

If your COVID-19 test is positive, it's very important to do the following: 

• To avoid spreading the virus to others, follow CDC’s guidance for isolation.
• Stay home until it’s safe to be around others, except to get medical care.
• At home, you should separate from others, or wear a well-fitting mask when you need to be around others.
• Everyone who has presumed or confirmed COVID-19 should stay home and isolate from other people for at least 5 full days (day 0 is the first day of symptoms or the date of the day of the positive viral test for asymptomatic persons). They should wear a mask when around others at home and in public for an additional 5 days. 
• Tell your close contacts that they have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. By informing your close contacts, you are helping to protect everyone.
• If your illness becomes severe, seek medical attention. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

If your test is negative:

• A negative test result means the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your specimen, and you may have a lower risk of transmitting the disease to others.
• You could also test negative if the specimen was collected too early in your infection. In this case, you could test positive later during your illness.

The following video provides additional instructions about interpreting the results of your at-home COVID test. 

Oral Antiviral Medications

These medications are not available at all pharmacies. If your healthcare provider has prescribed one of these oral antiviral medications for you, click the button below to search for the nearest pharmacy with an allotment of COVID-19 oral antiviral medications.

Do not contact the pharmacy unless you have a prescription from an authorized healthcare provider.

10 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children

Still on the fence about vaccinating your child?

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 helps protect your child and the people around them from catching and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

COVID vaccine is available for everyone ages 5 and older. Many common questions about pediatric COVID vaccine are addressed on the following page of the CDC Website:

10 Things to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5 through 11 Years

If you still have questions, please talk with your child's pediatrician or healthcare provider about specific concerns you may have.