How can I get tested for COVID-19 in California?
California has partnered with Verily and OptumServe to provide free, confidential testing statewide. Tests are available for everyone, including underserved communities and individuals who are at high risk.
Are there any blood tests for COVID-19?
COVID-19 antibody testing, also known as serology testing, is a blood test that’s done to find out if you’ve had a past infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An antibody test can’t determine whether you’re currently infected with the COVID-19 virus.
Is there a diagnostic test for COVID-19?
Yes, the FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for different types of COVID-19 tests. Some tests are used to diagnose the virus that causes COVID-19 infection whereas other tests are used to detect a recent or prior COVID-19 infection.
Are there any at-home tests for COVID-19?
Yes. There are now COVID-19 tests available for purchase online or in a store that can be used completely at home. At-home tests allow you to collect your own sample and test it with a system that gives you results in minutes at home.
Am I infectious if I have a positive COVID-19 test result?
These people who have a positive test result should be considered infectious and remain isolated until they again meet criteria for discontinuation of isolation or of transmission-based precautions. Contact tracing during the person’s second episode of symptoms is warranted.
Should I avoid indoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Avoid indoor spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors as much as possible. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible.
Can you still have detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA after recovering from COVID-19?
Some people who have recovered may have detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory specimens for up to 3 months after illness onset, albeit at concentrations considerably lower than during illness, in ranges where replication-competent virus has not been reliably recovered and infectiousness is unlikely.
Can people who recover from COVID-19 be re-infected with SARS-CoV-2?
See full answer
Are smokers more likely to contract COVID-19?
Smoking cigarettes can leave smokers more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, which is why there’s never been a better time to quit smoking. FDA’s Every Try Counts campaign has supportive tips and tools to help smokers get closer to quitting for good.
Will COVID-19 vaccines cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests?
Vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States won’t cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.
Can I have sex if my partner is experiencing some COVID-19 symptoms?
If your partner has had a fever, cough or shortness of breath recently, refrain from close contact or sexual activity (genital, oral or anal) until your partner has seen a doctor. During sex, wearing a mask is not likely to prevent transmission if one of the partners has COVID-19.
What disease does the new coronavirus (SARS–CoV-2) cause?
Infection with the new coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Are there any FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19?
Yes, the FDA has approved Veklury (remdesivir) for certain COVID-19 patients.
How to sanitize N95 Masks for reuse COVID-19?
The researchers found that masks that had been decontaminated with ethanol spray did not function effectively after decontamination, and they did not recommend use of that method. By contrast, masks decontaminated with UV and VHP could be used up to three times and function properly.
What is the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic and is COVID-19 a pandemic?
An outbreak is called an epidemic when there is a sudden increase in cases. As COVID-19 began spreading in Wuhan, China, it became an epidemic. Because the disease then spread across several countries and affected a large number of people, it was classified as a pandemic.