"Delays in At-Home COVID Test Results Amid Rising Cases"

With COVID-19 cases rising, at-home tests may take longer to show positive results due to accumulated immunity from vaccinations or previous infections. The CDC recommends testing immediately if symptomatic, and retesting if initially negative. Asymptomatic individuals exposed to the virus should test five days after exposure and follow up with additional tests. A more contagious subvariant, JN.1, is contributing to the spread of COVID-19. Free at-home tests are available through various government programs, and healthcare coverage may impact the cost of testing.