COVID-19 Rapid Testing: What to Do if You Test Positive
As we continue to adapt to a world living with COVID-19, rapid antigen tests like ASSURE-100 remain a crucial tool for identifying infections quickly. Knowing how to interpret your test results and respond appropriately is essential for protecting yourself and others. Here’s a comprehensive guide based on the latest guidance as of November 2024.
Why Use Rapid Tests?
Rapid antigen tests are effective for detecting COVID-19 in people who have been exposed, whether or not they are symptomatic or asymptomatic. Unlike polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests, which are more sensitive but take longer to process, rapid tests provide quick results within 15–30 minutes. These tests are highly accurate for identifying contagious individuals during the peak infectious period, which typically occurs one to two days before and up to five days after exposure.
Rapid COVID-19 tests are less expensive and faster than traditional PCR tests, offering people an easy and low-cost way to protect family members, classmates, and co-workers during, especially important for the holidays. At-home rapid testing makes it possible for individuals to know their infection status quickly and monitor health over time.
So What Should I Do If I Am Positive?
Steps to Take if You Test Positive:
- Isolate Immediately
- Symptomatic individuals: Isolate for at least five full days from symptom onset. Day 0 is the first day of symptoms. Stay away from others and wear a mask if you must share space.
- Asymptomatic individuals: If you test positive without symptoms, isolate for at least five days from the date of your test.
- Monitor Your Symptoms
- Keep an eye on symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If your fever persists beyond five days, extend your isolation until you’re fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
- Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or you belong to a high-risk group, such as the elderly or immunocompromised.
- Communicate With Close Contacts
- Inform those you’ve been in close contact with during the two days before your positive test or symptom onset. Encourage them to monitor their health and test if symptoms develop.
- Re-test if Necessary
- Though not always required, a follow-up test (rapid or PCR) can confirm that you are no longer infectious. Many organizations require a negative test to return to work or school.
Ending Isolation Safely
You can leave isolation after five days if:
- You are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
- Your other symptoms are improving.
Experts recommend that recovering people wear a high-quality mask in public and avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals, even if you’re negative using rapid tests for a couple days. Click here to purchase ASSURE-100 on Amazon.com, or for local Hawaii pick-up, click here to purchase from our Shopify site.