FREE COVID-19 tests for U.S. homes — Here’s how to order and what you need to know
Beginning Monday, Sept. 23, U.S. households can request free COVID-19 tests for current strains. All you need to know — order now, vaccine updates and new COVID variant XEC
Trending How to Get Your At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Free
The U.S. government is providing four free COVID-19 nasal swab examinations per household for order via the federal website, COVIDTests. In a statement, Health and Human Services said the tests, which can be used through the end of the year, could detect the most recent variants of COVID-19 according to Food and Drug Administration spokeswoman Leslie Woolley.
Servers may be busy, and accordingly, webpages should open slowly as this website is expected to have a high traffic due to its demand.
COVID-19 test Expiration Dates
According to the FDA, some of the tests cleared in February will carry relabeling letters—product-specific guidance —from the agency so they may be used with updated expiration dating information beyond what has been printed on-box. Here is a link to FDA’s list of tests with extended expiration dates, meaning that these quarantine test accommodations will be applicable.
Common COVID-19 Symptoms
A highly contagious new COVID-19 variant called XEC is rising to prominence. But so far medical experts have not observed any symptoms unique to this variant.
COVID-19 symptoms can appear 2–14 days after exposure and include: According to the…cdc covid list of common nonemergent warning signs on medical help page.
Fever or chills
Cough
Problem breathing or trouble taking a breath
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or pale/bluish-colored skin due to anaphylaxis reactions, it requires emergency treatment.
Updated CDC COVID Guidelines
What are your personal actions if you have contracted COVID-19 or begin to experience the hallmark symptoms of high fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing? The guidance from the CDC for staying home is straightforward: if you are sick with any virus-like illness, stay home until your symptoms improve and 24 hours without a fever (without medication). When you return to normal activities, wear a good fitting mask and observe distance for another 5 days to avoid further transmission.
Some applications of The COVID-19 Vaccine for Autumn 2024
U.S. regulators last fall approved a revision of the COVID-19 vaccine that is aimed at newer virus strains. The CDC encourages everyone at least six months of age and older to receive a vaccine. The accumulated rate of immunity due to previos infections or vaccination is also age dependent and will wane over time. The new shot has been developed to provide greater protection against the recent variants.
XEC: The New COVID Variant
The New CRAZE — Craze over XEC variant of COVID It is part of the Omicron lineage, and while largely it has been rapidly spreading, might not necessarily result in more severe illness. Dr. Marc Siegel at NYU Langone Medical Center described XEC as being more contagious, with symptoms — including congestion, cough, loss of appetite and smell, sore throat and body ajson armus18ч ago requiescattones et doloreas.
Dr. Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and others predict XEC is likely to become a global strain over the next several months. Thankfully, the new vaccine is expected to provide some protection from this variant.
We encourage everyone to continue to monitor COVID-19 news and announcements, request your free testings, and take additional precautions especially as we go into the holiday season.