You should test for COVID-19 in the following situations in 2025 according to the latest guidelines:
- If you have symptoms such as fever, sore throat, fatigue, cough, or flu-like symptoms, test immediately. If a rapid antigen test is negative but symptoms persist, retest after 48 hours.
- If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after the exposure before testing. You may consider testing earlier on days 3 and 5 after exposure for quicker detection.
- Before gatherings or travel, especially if you will be around high-risk individuals or are traveling internationally.
- After testing positive, retest on day 5 of isolation if symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication, to confirm you are no longer contagious.
Rapid antigen tests are widely used for quick results at home, especially effective early in symptoms. PCR tests are more sensitive, used especially for confirmation if symptoms persist with negative rapid test results. Testing remains important to reduce transmission, manage new variants, and protect vulnerable people.
