Free COVID-19 Tests Now Available for U.S. Households

Starting Monday, September 23, American households can once again order free COVID-19 tests to help detect the current strains of the virus, including new variants. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to continue monitoring the spread of the virus and to help families stay safe as we approach the colder months. With flu season also looming, having access to these tests will be a valuable tool in keeping communities healthy.

How to Order Free COVID Tests

Every household in the U.S. is eligible to receive four free COVID-19 tests. To order, simply visit the website [COVIDTests.gov](http://www.COVIDTests.gov). However, there may be some delays when accessing the website. As of Monday morning, many users reported slow loading times due to high traffic. If this happens, it’s best to be patient and try again later.

The tests provided will be able to detect the latest variants of the virus, ensuring that families are prepared in case of infection. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these tests will remain usable through the end of the year.

Additionally, it's important to know that many COVID-19 test kits have had their expiration dates extended. To check if your current test is still good to use, you can find a list of extended expiration dates on the FDA’s website. This way, even if you have older kits at home, they might still be valid for use in detecting the virus.

Why Testing is Important Now

As the virus continues to evolve, new variants are emerging, making it essential for people to have access to testing. One of the most recent variants, known as the XEC strain, is spreading rapidly. While early reports suggest that XEC may not cause severe illness, it is highly contagious. This means it can still spread quickly among communities, potentially affecting those with weaker immune systems or pre-existing health conditions.

Even though the XEC variant doesn’t appear to bring about any new or unique symptoms, it shares the same symptoms commonly seen with other strains of COVID-19.

Common COVID-19 Symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of COVID-19 can show up anywhere from two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. These symptoms can vary in intensity, from mild discomfort to more severe cases that may require medical attention. Here’s a list of common symptoms you should watch out for:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• Loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

If you or anyone in your household starts experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take precautions and test for COVID-19.

CDC Guidelines for COVID-19

The CDC still advises that if someone shows symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home and avoid public places to prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important in high-risk environments like workplaces, schools, and gatherings.

If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, the CDC recommends that you return to your regular activities only after your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours, and you’ve been fever-free without the use of medication.

Wearing a mask, washing your hands frequently, and maintaining a healthy distance from others are also still good practices, particularly if you're in a crowded place or indoors with poor ventilation.

Stay Prepared and Informed

With new variants like XEC spreading, and as we enter flu season, it's more important than ever to be proactive about your health. Ordering free COVID-19 tests for your household can help you stay prepared and give you peace of mind in case you or your family members develop symptoms.

In addition to testing, staying informed about the latest CDC guidelines and keeping an eye on any potential symptoms can help stop the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable members of your community.

Don’t forget to check the expiration dates of any COVID-19 tests you already have, and be sure to place your order at [COVIDTests.gov](http://www.COVIDTests.gov) to receive your free kits. By taking these small steps, you’re contributing to the ongoing fight against COVID-19 and helping to keep everyone safer during this uncertain time.