The Disconnect: COVID Symptoms and Negative Tests - Experts Reveal Common Mistakes
If you have COVID symptoms but test negative with an at-home COVID test, there are several possibilities. It could be a false negative, as they are more common than false positives. Another reason could be that you performed the test incorrectly or at the wrong time. At-home tests may not work if taken too early or late in the infection. It's important to understand that these tests only determine if you can spread COVID, not if you have or had it. Following CDC guidelines, it is recommended to repeat the test after 48 hours if initially negative, and to consider getting a PCR test for more accuracy.