The Springfield-Greene County Health Department says with the number of COVID-19 cases on the rise, getting tested is an important step in lowering community transmission of the virus.
Many people choose at-home testing kits, and health leaders say if you choose to administer a COVID-19 test at home using an antigen self-test or other home test, there are some things you should do with your results.
The health department outlines those steps below in a news release:
If you test positive
If you receive a positive test result, you should immediately isolate to prevent further spread to people in your household. You will need to isolate for 10 days from the start of symptoms, regardless of your vaccination status. Close contacts, such as people in your household, should also quarantine if they are not fully vaccinated. For additional guidelines visit https://health.springfieldmo.gov/5096/What-to-do-if-youre-sick.
Call the Health Department COVID-19 Call Center (417-874-1211) as soon as possible for further guidance and to help identify possible exposures.
If you test negative
At-home tests can produce false negatives. If you think your test result may be incorrect, contact a healthcare provider to determine if additional testing is needed. You can find testing opportunities in the community at health.springfieldmo.gov/testing.
If you test negative for COVID-19 from an at-home test, but you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19, stay home, consider additional testing and seek medical attention. If you have been in close contact with someone who tests positive, confirming with a PCR test is recommended.
If you are symptomatic and confirm a negative test result for COVID-19, you may have another illness, such as the flu. Individuals should stay home and seek medical care if sick.
Common COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Prevention through vaccination
The community can further prevent the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated. The Health Department urges the community to get vaccinated as soon as possible to lower community spread of the disease.
COVID-19 and flu vaccination opportunities are available at vaccine417.com or by calling the COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211.