COVID at-home tests will be mailed to every home in the U.S. You can order up to four at-home COVID tests for free beginning on January 19. Orders usually will ship in 7-12 days.
According to to COVIDtests.gov, the tests are rapid antigen, not PCR (DNA).
PCR tests, which are analyzed in a lab, are much more accurate than rapid tests which are prone to false-positive results.
Rapid tests provide results in 15 minutes. You should only take the rapid test if you have symptoms. The rapid tests are more accurate if you are symptomatic.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include: cough, loss of smell and taste, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, diarrhea, headache, muscle weakness, muscle pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
Don’t panic. If you have symptoms and your test result is positive you should follow-up with your doctor or healthcare professional.
Your health insurance company will reimburse you for 8 at-?home tests per month for each person on the plan.
At-?home tests are also available for sale at pharmacies around the U.S. Check with local retailers and pharmacies for availability.
