COVID-19 Symptoms |
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Self-testing is a form of screening. Screening is meant to detect early stages of the disease so that treatment can start soon. |
If the self-tests are performed incorrectly, the validity (i.e., accuracy) of the test may be affected. This may make false negatives and false reassurance more likely. |
Self-testing does not need a healthcare provider to do the test, so tests can be done at the individual’s home. Being able to test at home can help save on time and money. |
Contrary to the name, self-testing kits are not diagnostic tests. Results of a self-testing kit (especially when positive) must be followed up with a diagnostic test to confirm someone has the disease. |
Testing at home can help limit person-to-person contact. |
Not all results mean the same thing between different tests. Tests may tell you whether you currently are sick or were once sick depending on what they look for. |
COVID-19 FAQ |
Who Should be Tested for Covid-19
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, it is up to you, your healthcare provider and/or Tribal health department to decide if you should be tested. Most people with COVID-19 will get better on their own with no medical intervention, and there is no medicine that currently cures COVID-19. However, testing can be helpful in tracking the virus and preventing further spread. CDC recommends testing using the Viral Test in these circumstances:
Your Tribal health department and/or healthcare provider may choose to test you even if you are not exhibiting symptoms based on local guidance and test availability. If you have symptoms, and are seeking medical care or testing, please contact the clinic or testing site beforehand and tell them you think you have COVID-19. This will allow them to protect themselves and other patients from getting sick. Where Can I Get Tested?
Call your Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal, or urban Indian health facility or Tribal health department to find out where testing is happening in your community. In some communities, separate testing sites have been set up, while in others, the local clinic or health department may offer the test. Some pharmacies may also offer selftesting, although these may be less likely to be accurate. What Should I Expect During Testing?
During Viral Testing, your healthcare provider will swab up your nose, and could also swab your throat. If you have a cough, they may also ask you to cough into a cup to collect a sample. Your provider may also choose to test you for other illnesses such as the flu or strep throat. If you use a self-test, you will be asked to swab your own nose. During Antibody Testing, your provider will collect a blood sample, most likely from a finger prick. Testing time varies by location, but tests may take as little as one day, or as long as one week. Some Tribes may also offer rapid viral testing on site, which provides results in minutes. Ask your provider when you should expect the results and how they will be communicated to you. What Should I do if the Test is Positive?
Your healthcare provider is the best source of information. Keep them updated on your symptoms, and call them with any questions. Visit www.CDC.gov/coronvirus for full guidance on what to do if you are sick.
Positive Viral TestThis means you currently have COVID-19. Keep others from getting sick: Most people with COVID-19 will not exhibit any outward symptoms, and most people with COVID-19 will get better at home on their own. However, after receiving a positive viral test, it is important you keep others from getting sick.
Seek medical help immediately if you have:
Being isolated with COVID-19 can be difficult for many people, and it is normal to feel worried, sad, lonely, or confused. It is important to stay in contact with your loved ones through phone or email, and to do activities you enjoy or find relaxing. If you are struggling with managing your feelings, talk to your healthcare provider to get support from a professional. You can also call the Disaster Distress Helpline for support at 1-800-985-5990. When can I stop self-isolation?
Once you feel better, you may want to stop isolating. The decision to stop should be made in partnership with your healthcare provider or Tribal health department. In general, you can stop isolating when:
What if I test positive for the covid-19 antibody test?
This means you had COVID-19 infection in the past. If you have symptoms, follow up with your healthcare provider and/or Tribal health department for guidanceyou may need to receive a Viral Test. If you do not have symptoms, you do not need to follow up. Because it is unclear if a positive test provides protection against future infections, and because false positive tests are possible, continue to practice social distancing and other preventative guidelines your Tribe or community has put in place. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THE TEST IS NEGATIVE?
Negative Viral Test: You probably do not have COVID-19 right now. A negative test results does not rule out that you may get sick at a later time. Monitor your symptoms, and talk to your healthcare provider about next steps. Follow your Tribe’s guidance about social distancing and prevention strategies. Continue to wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, and stay home if you feel sick. Negative (Non-reactive) Antibody Test You probably did not have COVID-19 previously. However, this does not rule out a current COVID-19 infection-antibodies usually don’t show up until 1-3 weeks or more after infection. If you have symptoms, follow up with your healthcare provider and/or Tribal Health Department for guidance- you may need to receive a Viral Test. Follow your Tribe’s guidance about social distancing. Continue to wash your hands frequently, avoid contact with others if COVID-19 is spreading in your community, and stay home if you feel sick. What is covid-19 home monitoring
When a person needs to know if they are sick, a health care provider such as a doctor will first collect a sample from that person. The doctor may collect the person’s blood, sweat, mucus, or saliva for the sample. However, during self-testing, the person can collect their own sample without the help of a doctor. When the sample is collected, it is then sent by the person to a laboratory. The laboratory will then look for either a sign of the person’s immune response or for the germ itself. Based on what they find, the laboratory can tell the person whether they are currently sick or were once sick from a specific disease. A good test is made up of two parts:
What’s the difference between SARS-Cov-2 and COVID-19?
SARS-Cov-2 is the name of the virus while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the name of the illness that is caused by the virus. The names are similar to how HIV is the virus and AIDS is the name of the illness as a result of HIV. What is Herd Immunity?
Herd immunity, sometimes called community immunity, occurs when a high percentage of the population is immune to a disease. This immunity can happen through vaccination and/or prior illness thus making the spread of the infectious disease from person to person unlikely. Even individuals not vaccinated (such as newborns and the immunocompromised) are offered some protection because the disease has little opportunity to spread within the population.
How Does Herd Immunity Work? 
Why Build Herd Immunity?
Herd immunity protects the most vulnerable members of the population. Those who are considered vulnerable include babies who have not received vaccinations, pregnant women and the immunocompromised (e.g., those who have organ transplants or undergoing chemotherapy). If enough people are vaccinated or have immunity against diseases, individuals that are at higher risk and cannot get vaccinated have some protection against infection. Herd Immunity and COVID-19 There currently is not a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. For herd immunity to occur the majority of the population would need to be vaccinated. Therefore, it may not be the best way to prevent the spread of the disease at this time. We are still learning about this new virus. For instance, it is still unknown whether a person can become reinfected and develop COVID-19 more than once. Until a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 is a reality, practicing social/physical distancing and other prevention methods is still recommended. Download Full Herd Immunity Document |
