Myth: rapid antigen tests have a random chance to throw false negatives, so retesting a few times on the same day is sufficient to rule out covid

Fact: RATs are very good at detecting SARSCoV2 *at their specific detection threshold,* which is in the millions of viral copies, and it takes time for the viral load in the nasopharynx to hit this threshold -- up to a week into symptoms in many cases. You should treat every symptomatic infection you have as if it could be covid until you are testing "negative" (read: inconclusive) on RATs in *multiple 48 hour intervals,* and even *then* you should be wary

Myth: not testing positive means you aren't contagious

Fact: people are contagious at lower viral loads than RATs can detect

References:
1. FDA - Understanding At-Home OTC COVID-19 Antigen Diagnostic Test Results: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/understanding-home-otc-covid-19-antigen-diagnostic-test-results
2. Leopold Schabel/Lucentia - Unofficial PlusLife FAQ: https://virus.sucks/pluslife_en/

#SARSCoV2 #RapidTest #RapidTests #covid #covid19 #PublicHealth #CovidIsNotOver

Starting in September, the U.S. will provide free rapid COVID-19 tests to help control the spread of the virus. Visit http://COVIDtests.gov to order your tests and stay prepared. Regular testing is key to keeping our communities safe.

#LongCOVID #WHN #PublicHealth #COVID #Testing #RapidTest #COVIDTest #COVID19 #Pandemic

If you're in the #USA, as of two weeks ago they're giving out another round of free #COVID tests, in case you're running low:

https://special.usps.com/testkits

#COVID19 #CovidTest #RapidTest

We all know #covidIsNotOver, we know we're in the midst of a seemingly unending pandemic. We know what tools we need to be safe. These include fitted respirators such as the #n95, as well as rapid tests (because you need proof of infection for further treatment).

Free rapid tests are available to New Brunswickers via an appointment. They're free.

Schedule an appointment here -> https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/corporate/promo/covid-19/about-covid-19/testing-tracing.html

Or call 1-833-437-1424.

#covid #rapidtest #pcr #antigen #freetests #nb #newBrunswick

First week of school. First negative test. 👍

I have "The Sound of Silence" stuck in my slightly stuffy head. 🤷‍♂️
#covid19bc #covid19 #test #rapidTest #bcPoli #CanPoli #COVIDisNotOver

"With about 2% of the U.S. population actively infectious with C0VID, school and in-person work remain extremely risky.

Offer remote activities. #MaskUp. #VaxUp again when allowed. Read up on and improve indoor air quality. Avoid indoor dining. #RapidTest frequently. "

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1700376883009855542.html?s=09

Proper testing for #COVID19 includes the throat and cheek as well as the sinus.

https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2022-02/COVID-19RapidAntigenTests-HowtoCollectaSample.pdf

#rapidtest