Why Test?
Testing saves lives. Testing allows people to take precautions, like quarantining quickly to stop the virus from spreading. Infected people without symptoms can still spread the virus. Testing also helps public health officials identify and respond to outbreaks and can also be used to track new variants of the virus. Testing is an important part in helping get back to normal activities.
When to Test?
- Test when you feel sick. COVID-19 has a wide range of symptoms, so if you’re not feeling well, it’s best to get tested as soon as possible.
- Test when you’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. Get tested immediately if you’re showing symptoms. If you’re not showing symptoms, wait five days after the exposure and then test.
- Businesses and events might have testing and/or vaccination requirements to enter. Call ahead or check their website before you visit.
- You may need to test before and/or after traveling. Check the CDC’s latest travel guidance.
- When you’re getting together with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
What are the Treatment Options?
Early intervention with COVID-19 therapeutics can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization for people with COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing more serious illness. If you think you might qualify, please talk to your healthcare provider. A healthcare provider can give you a referral to receive treatments. There are a few types of treatment available including:
- Monoclonal Antibody Treatment – These are antibodies made in a laboratory and act a lot like natural antibodies to limit the amount of virus in your body.
- Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for COVID-19 – This is medication designed to block a virus from attaching and entering human cells. PrEP can only be used to prevent or protect someone before they are exposed to COVID-19.
- Oral Antivirals – Oral antiviral treatment helps your body fight COVID-19 by stopping the SARS-CoV-2 virus from multiplying in your body, lowering the amount of the virus within your body, or helping your immune system.
For more information on these treatments go to COVID-19 Treatments (DOH).