If you develop possible COVID-19 symptoms, stay home, rest and drink fluids; test promptly, and contact a healthcare provider early if you may be at higher risk of severe illness. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, inability to wake, or pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds. Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish COVID-19 from flu, so testing can help guide what to do next.
What to do first when symptoms start
- Stay home and limit contact. If you feel unwell, avoid contact with other people, including household members who are not sick, when possible. Local rules vary; check current public-health guidance where you live.
- Rest and drink fluids. Most people with mild COVID-19 can recover at home. For aches or fever, CDC and NHS list acetaminophen (called paracetamol in the UK) or ibuprofen as options. Follow the product label and ask a pharmacist or clinician if you are unsure whether a medicine is suitable for you.
- Test for COVID-19. COVID-19 and flu can cause similar symptoms, and symptoms alone cannot tell them apart. A test can help establish next steps.
- Check whether you may be at higher risk. If you are older, have certain health conditions, have a weakened immune system, or are not up to date on vaccination, contact a healthcare provider promptly—even if symptoms are mild.
To reduce the chance of spreading respiratory illness while sick, wash or clean your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, improve indoor ventilation where possible, and consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others. Follow local guidance for current rules.
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How to test and interpret a home result
An FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 antigen test can detect active infection and is available without a prescription. Check the FDA’s current list of authorized tests for intended users, instructions and expiration information, and follow the directions for your specific test.
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A negative rapid antigen result does not rule out COVID-19; antigen tests are less likely than molecular tests to detect infection, especially early in an infection or when a person has no symptoms. FDA advises people with symptoms to test immediately and, if the result is negative, test again 48 hours later—at least two tests total. People without symptoms should take three tests over five days, 48 hours apart.
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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.
- Easy to Use with Zero Discomfort: 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 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.
- 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.
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If symptoms continue or you remain concerned after negative tests, contact a healthcare provider and consider molecular testing. Do not treat one negative rapid test as proof that you are not infected.
If the antigen result is positive
A positive at-home antigen result means you likely have COVID-19. Follow current public-health guidance and contact a healthcare provider about next steps, particularly if you may be at higher risk and could benefit from treatment.
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- FDA 510(k) Cleared 15-Minute Self-Test: The test is FDA 510(k) cleared and can be used as 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.
- 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.
When to call a healthcare provider about treatment
Contact a clinician promptly if you may be at higher risk of severe illness; do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Risk depends on individual circumstances. CDC highlights older adults—especially people 75 and older—people who are not up to date on vaccination, and people with certain conditions such as chronic lung or heart disease or weakened immunity. WHO also identifies older age, including age 60 and over, and underlying conditions such as diabetes, cancer, chronic heart, lung, liver or rheumatological disease, HIV, dementia, obesity and low immune function. These sources use different age thresholds and risk groupings, so ask a clinician how your own age and health affect your risk.
For eligible higher-risk people with mild to moderate COVID-19, antiviral treatment can reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Treatment must begin within a short window after symptoms start: CDC lists nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid) for eligible adults and children 12 and older within five days, remdesivir for adults and children within seven days, and molnupiravir for adults within five days. A healthcare professional must determine eligibility and which treatment is appropriate. Medicines can have interactions or side effects, so review them with a clinician or pharmacist.
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CDC’s treatment guidance says: “Don’t delay: Treatments must be started within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.” A positive test is not required to begin discussing treatment with a healthcare provider.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When symptoms need emergency care
In the United States, call 911 or go to emergency care for any of these warning signs. If possible, call ahead and tell the facility that COVID-19 is possible.
Rank #4
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- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or nail beds
This list is not exhaustive. CDC’s broader respiratory guidance also identifies warning signs such as persistent dizziness, seizures, not urinating, severe muscle pain or weakness, unsteadiness, and a fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens. For children, urgent warning signs include fast or difficult breathing, bluish lips or face, ribs pulling in with each breath, chest pain, dehydration, lack of alertness, seizures, and specified high fevers. Do not wait for several signs to appear: seek immediate medical attention for any severe or concerning symptom.
UK care pathways
In the UK, contact a GP or NHS 111 if symptoms worsen or do not improve, you are worried, or a high temperature lasts five days or more. Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden chest pain, severe or suddenly worsening breathlessness, coughing blood, collapse, fainting, a first seizure, or someone who seems very unwell. These numbers and services are UK-specific; elsewhere, use your local urgent and emergency care services.
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- 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
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- 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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Sources and guidance dates
CDC’s treatment guidance was updated February 5, 2026; its COVID-19 symptoms page was dated March 10, 2025, and its broader respiratory illness guidance was updated September 10, 2026. FDA maintains its test listings and instructions, which may change. NHS guidance is UK-specific; its main page was last reviewed March 21, 2023, and its breathlessness media was reviewed June 2, 2026. Check local guidance and current test information, since recommendations and product authorizations can change.
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