There was a time when testing positive for COVID came with the assurance that you wouldn’t be reinfected for a few months. Unfortunately, we no longer have that sense of short-term protection. In addition to keeping yourself safe with a well-fitting mask, it’s smart to redeem your free COVID tests by mail and get tested regularly. The good news: Home COVID tests have never been more readily available. The Bad: As you’ve probably heard (if not firsthand), home antigen tests aren’t entirely reliable. The strains of COVID currently circulating, BA.4 and BA.5, are particularly good at evading detection with home antigen tests, according to experts. See what to do if your home test results are negative but you’re still experiencing COVID symptoms.
Why your COVID test may be negative
A negative test result cannot completely rule out infection. If you are experiencing COVID symptoms (or have been exposed to COVID) but are taking comfort in a negative test, a few things may be going on. G/O Media may receive a commission 16% discount. 2 million dollar puzzle Win a Million Dollars The $2 million puzzles are 500-piece puzzles that reveal a QR code at the end. You can then scan these codes to reveal how much money you’ve won. BA.4 and BA.5 may take longer to appear in home tests. Even if it’s not one of those highly contagious strains, you may have tested too soon regardless (you should wait at least five days after exposure to test). Likewise, your viral load may not be high enough to give a positive result even though you are infected with the virus. Then there is a good user error. Even before the current variations, home antigen testing was never a perfect system. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them completely. Experts told CNBC that people should still use home antigen tests if they have symptoms or have been exposed to the virus. CDC guidelines say that regardless of your condition, you should retest one to two days after a negative test. Make sure you store the tests properly at home and consider getting a PCR test if you can.
If you are experiencing symptoms, you should self-isolate
If you have symptoms that look like COVID, you should assume you are contagious, even if it turns out to be something other than COVID. It’s a good idea to stay home and keep others safe. Remember: Your “mild” symptoms could be much more severe in someone else. The bottom line is that if you feel sick, you are probably sick with something. A negative test result does not magically make your physical symptoms fantastic. Isolation and mask indoors. Even if it’s not COVID, no one wants what you have.
