Coronavirus Testing

The process for getting tested for the virus

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

*This list does not include all possible symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Use the CDC’s self-checker to help make decisions and seek appropriate medical care regarding COVID-19.

Types of COVID-19 Tests

COVID-19 tests are available that can test for current infection or past infection.

• A viral test tells you if you have a current infection. Two types of viral tests can be used: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests
• An antibody test (also known as a serology test) might tell you if you had a past infection. Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection. 

Who should get tested for current infection?

• People who have symptoms of COVID-19
• Most people who have had close contact (within 6 feet for a total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with a confirmed current COVID-19 infection.
  • Fully vaccinated people should be tested 3-5 days following a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until the receive a negative test result.
  • People who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 3 months and recovered do not need to get tested following an exposure as long as they do not develop new symptoms.
• Unvaccinated people who have taken part in activities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 because they cannot physically distance as needed to avoid exposure, such as traveling, attending large social or mass gatherings, or being in crowded or poorly-ventilated indoor settings.
• People who have been asked or referred to get tested by their healthcare provider or state, tribal, local external icon, or territorial health department.

CDC recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay away from others pending test results and follow the advice of your health care provider or public health professional.

Where to get tested

Testing is available at many local pharmacies and urgent care centers. Patients should check to see if appointments and/or insurance are required. At-home tests also may be purchased at many pharmacies. Private physicians also may do testing.

• CVS: Visit CVS.com to schedule an appointment.
• Health First: Visit the COVID-19 Testing | Health First website to schedule an appointment or get more information. 
• MedFast Urgent Care Centers will perform tests according to clinical conditions. Call 321-MEDFAST (633-3278) or visit their website for more details
• Quest Diagnostics: Visit the QuestCOVID19.com website to schedule an appointment
• Walmart: Testing is available by appointment only at stores with clinics supported by Quest Diagnostics. Visit QuestCOVID19.com to schedule an appointment.
• Walgreens: Visit Walgreens.com to begin the process for drive-through testing of ages 3 and older.
  *Testing is free. Insurance information will be requested, but there is no out-of-pocket expense.

Where to get at-home COVID test kits

• Federal free at-home COVID tests: Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 2 sets of 4 free at-home rapid antigen tests at https://www.covid.gov/tests
• Local retailers and pharmacies: At-⁠home tests are available for sale around the U.S.. Check with local retailers and pharmacies to see if they have at-home test kits in stock. Your insurance will pay you back for 8 at-⁠home tests each month for each person on your plan. For more information contact your health insurance provider or visit https://www.cms.gov/how-to-get-your-at-home-OTC-COVID-19-test-for-free.

What your test results mean

If you test positive for COVID-19:

• Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Stay in touch with your doctor
• Get rest and stay hydrated

If you test negative for COVID-19:

• A negative test results does not guarantee you won't get sick later
  • It is possible that you were very early in your infection when your sample was collected and that you could test positive later

Call, do not visit

It is IMPORTANT to call ahead before visiting your health care provider. Offices must take proper steps to avoid further spread of COVID-19 when a concerned patient arrives for a medical appointment.

Get Connected. Stay Alert.

For more information on COVID-19, and any other potential emergency in the region, visit www.EMBrevard.com and sign up for the Alert Brevard system. Additionally, you can follow Brevard County Emergency Management on social media on Facebook and Twitter for updates.