COVID-19 is an infectious disease that’s caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, it’s important you get tested immediately.
Find a healthcare professional for more information.
Most people infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment1—but some people experience severe COVID-19 symptoms and may be hospitalized.1
Learn more about COVID-19 symptoms and treatments, as well as how rapid molecular tests can quickly identify the COVID-19 virus so you can start the right treatment earlier and get well sooner.
According to the CDC, more than 75% of deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19 have been among people age 65 and older. And people in this age group comprise over 42% of those who end up in the hospital due to COVID-19.7
That’s because older adults are more likely to have chronic conditions—like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or obesity—that can put them at increased risk for severe effects from COVID-19.8 In addition, people’s immune systems tend to weaken with age, making it more difficult to fight off infections.9
Like any virus, COVID-19 is constantly changing or mutating, and sometimes these mutations result in a new variant of the virus, like Delta in 2021 and Omicron. Long after the pandemic is over, infectious disease experts predict the virus will continue to circulate the globe, resulting in periodic outbreaks in certain geographies or in seasonal waves, much like the flu.1,2 As a result, having accessible, rapid testing is critical to catching new outbreaks.
There are wide variety of COVID-19 tests you can take—and you can find them in a wide variety of settings.
These rapid tests are given by a trained operator in a traditional health care setting, including doctors' offices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. Point of care tests:
Test samples are usually taken by a trained professional in a traditional health care setting, including doctors' offices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. Molecular PCR tests:
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests are also available over-the-counter at retailers near you. They can provide you fast, reliable results at home—without the need for a prescription. Self-testing kits:
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Isothermal |
PCR |
Tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA |
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Molecular test |
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Swab from the nose |
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Takes less than 15 minutes |
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There are medications available to treat COVID-19, but they must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective.12 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations (EUA) for certain antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19.12
Because COVID-19 treatment options work best when they are prescribed and used early, rapid testing is essential to ensure that your healthcare provider receives quick and reliable results to make a treatment decision.12 Contact your clinician about available treatment options if you have tested positive for COVID-19.
Rapid testing for COVID-19 can allow you to start treatment faster, avoid complications, and get back to school or work sooner.
This program will teach you about rapid tests and how they can quickly identify illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and strep throat. Rapid testing can help you get treated earlier and get well sooner.
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