For U.S. readers, based on CDC and FDA guidance available October 4, 2026: If you have COVID-19 symptoms, test now. If you were exposed but have no symptoms, wait five full days after exposure before testing. A negative home antigen result may be too early to trust, so repeat it on the schedule below. If you test positive, reduce contact with others, follow current stay-home guidance, and contact a clinician promptly if you may be at higher risk for severe illness.
When should you test for COVID-19?
If you have symptoms
Test as soon as symptoms begin. An at-home COVID-19 antigen test can give a result quickly, but a single negative result does not rule out infection. Follow the test instructions and repeat a negative antigen test 48 hours later. That means at least two tests total when you have symptoms. If you remain sick or concerned after negative tests, ask a healthcare provider whether a molecular test or evaluation for another illness is appropriate.
If you were exposed but have no symptoms
Wait at least five full days after the exposure before taking an antigen test. If it is negative, repeat it 48 hours later, then repeat once more 48 hours after that: three tests total over five days. If symptoms start before the five days have passed, test then rather than waiting.
If you recently had COVID-19
Testing within 90 days of a positive result can be harder to interpret. Some tests, especially NAATs such as PCR, may remain positive for up to 90 days, although reinfection can also happen during that period. If you develop symptoms or have a new exposure during those 90 days, follow the CDC’s timing recommendations and consider asking a healthcare provider which test makes sense for your situation.
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- FDA Authorized 15-Minute Self-Test: The test is a 15-minute self-test to detect whether or not an individual has COVID-19. The test can be completed in the comfort of your own home without the need to ship your sample to a lab.
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- For Ages 2 and Above : The self-administered test is recommended for individuals aged 15 years and older. Adult-collection is required for testing children 2-14 years old.
- Manage Group Testing Via Mobile App: The iHealth Test app allows the administrator of a small group to monitor and track the group members’ test results as needed at school, work or an event.
- Independently-sealed packaging ensures safe and hygienic testing. The swabs and test cards of iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test are sealed and independently packaged to ensure the safety and hygiene of the product.
Which COVID test should you use?
CDC describes two broad types of viral tests. NAATs, including PCR tests, are more likely than antigen tests to detect the virus. Antigen tests are usually faster, typically returning results in 15–30 minutes, but can miss infection early or in people without symptoms. FDA cautions that antigen tests may not detect infection until two to five days after exposure, and sometimes later. They also cannot tell you whether you are contagious.
| Test type | What to know | When it may help |
|---|---|---|
| Antigen | Usually returns a result in 15–30 minutes; a negative result may need repeating because early infection can be missed. | Useful when you need a quick result and can follow the recommended repeat-testing schedule. |
| NAAT, including PCR | More likely than an antigen test to detect virus. A recent infection can complicate interpretation because some NAATs may stay positive for up to 90 days. | May be an alternative to repeated antigen tests in some circumstances; ask a clinician if you are unsure which test fits. |
Use an FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 antigen test and read its manufacturer’s instructions, including how to collect the sample and when to repeat a negative result. A molecular test may require access to a healthcare or testing site. Availability and local testing options vary.
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- Detects Multiple COVID-19 Variants: The test is designed to detect multiple COVID-19 variants, helping you stay informed even as the virus evolves.
- Easy to Use with Minimal Discomfort: The test can be done by inserting 1/2 to 3/4 inch of a simple non-invasive nasal swab. Step-by-step instructional videos are available in our app (Installation of the app is optional).
- For Ages 2 and Above: The self-administered test is recommended for individuals aged 15 years and older. Adult-collection is required for testing children 2-14 years old.
How to interpret a negative or positive result
A negative result
A negative result means the virus was not detected in that sample; it does not rule out COVID-19. Repeat an antigen test after 48 hours: take at least two tests total if you have symptoms, or three tests over five days if you have no symptoms after exposure. If repeated tests remain negative but you still feel ill or have reason to suspect COVID-19, contact a healthcare provider about a molecular test or evaluation for flu, RSV, or another cause.
A positive result
Treat a positive self-test as meaningful. CDC says a positive COVID-19 test means the virus was detected and you have an infection, and self-test positives are highly reliable. Reduce the chance of exposing others, monitor how you feel, and let recent close contacts know they may have been exposed.
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What to do after a positive COVID-19 test
Stay home while sick, then add precautions
CDC’s general respiratory-virus guidance says to stay home and away from others until both conditions have been true for at least 24 hours: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have had no fever without using fever-reducing medication. This guidance applies when symptoms are not better explained by another cause.
When you resume normal activities, take added precautions for five days to reduce the chance of spreading the virus. These can include wearing a well-fitted mask, bringing in more clean air, practicing good hygiene, keeping distance from others, or testing when around people. A positive test tends to mean you are more likely to be able to spread the virus at the time of testing. If fever returns or symptoms worsen, stay home again; resume activities only after the 24-hour criteria are met, then restart the five days of added precautions. If you test positive but never develop symptoms, use added precautions for five days.
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- Fast Results in 10 Minutes – Get reliable Covid-19 test results in as little as 10 minutes, perfect for quick checks before gatherings or travel.
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- Only 5 turns per nostril —why bother with 10? Get quick and reliable results with less effort, making testing easier for the whole family, Our Covid-19 test kit for home works for individuals ages 2+.
People with weakened immune systems may remain infectious longer, so this general timeline may not fit every individual. Healthcare settings have separate guidance.
Ask about treatment quickly if you may be at higher risk
Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you are older, not up to date on vaccination, immunocompromised, or have a condition such as chronic lung or heart disease. Risk is especially higher among adults age 75 and older. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe: CDC advises people at higher risk to discuss testing or treatment right away, even when symptoms are mild, and a positive test is not required to start a treatment assessment.
Best Value
- RAPID RESULTS: Determine your family’s health status with the Flowflex COVID-19 antigen home test; results appear quickly, giving peace of mind in just 15 minutes; reliable at detecting multiple COVID-19 variants
- CLINICAL PERFORMANCE: Engineered with the same high standards and sensitivity as tests used by doctors; no need for a prescription or sending to a lab
- SAFE for KIDS AND ADULTS: This COVID-19 test is approved for self-testing by individuals 14 and older, and is suitable for children ages 2 and up when administered by an adult
- EASY TO USE: Kit contains all the components needed to test (non-invasive nasal swab, extraction buffer tube, test cassette) with step-by-step, clear instructions in English and Spanish
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Prescription antivirals must be started within a limited period after symptoms begin. CDC lists nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid) for adults and children age 12 or older, within five days; remdesivir (Veklury) for adults and children, within seven days; and molnupiravir (Lagevrio) for adults, within five days. A clinician must determine whether a treatment is appropriate because eligibility, medication interactions, and individual circumstances matter.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue lips, nail beds, or skin. This list is not exhaustive; seek medical help for any severe or concerning symptoms.
Quick Recap
Official guidance
- CDC: Self-Testing At Home or Anywhere
- FDA: Understanding At-Home OTC COVID-19 Antigen Diagnostic Test Results
- CDC: Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
- CDC: Types of COVID-19 Treatment
- CDC: Symptoms of COVID-19
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