COVID Summer Surge: How to Get Free Tests to Keep Yourself Safe and Informed (2024)

It seems like nothing is safe from COVID-19 this summer -- the Paris Olympics and San Diego's Comic-Con have both shown how quickly COVID is spreading. Whether it's the heat waves or the new COVID variants that are to blame, doctors are saying that this summer is much worse than the last.

California was one of the first states this summer to report rising COVID cases, but it's not the only one -- 21 states and Washington DC are all displaying "high levels" of COVID-19 in their wastewater, per the CDC. If you're planning on spending time indoors with other people, especially for extended periods of time, at-home COVID-19 tests can be essential for keeping your loved ones safe.

Read more:Are Your COVID Tests Really Expired? How to Find Out

Back on March 8, 2024, the Federal Government halted the US Postal Service's free COVID program, which would allow you to order free COVID-19 tests through the USPS. However, hope is not lost when it comes to getting free tests to detect COVID-19 infections. Read on to find out the ways you can still get free COVID testing, as well as how to get your hands on free treatments andCOVID vaccines.

For more, here's what to know about long COVID, and all of the latest information about bird flu in humans.

What are my free COVID-19 testing options?

Now that you can no longer receive tests from the Postal Service, you have three main avenues to find free COVID-19 testing locations across the US: HRSA health centers, Test to Treat locations and ICATT testing sites. These options function similarly, but we'll break down the specific steps to find your nearest free testing location.

HRSA health centers offer free COVID-19 testing

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The Health Resources and Services Administration funds health centers across the US. At these HRSA health centers, you will be able to receive free COVID-19 testing. You can use HRSA's locator tool to find a center near you.

First, select the language you would like to receive your results in. Then simply enter the location you wish to search into the box labeled Location. The locator also allows you to widen your search radius, so you can see all the options your area has to offer.

Once you've found a center that works for you, click through to that particular location's website and follow their specific instructions for obtaining a free COVID-19 test.

Test to Treat locations have COVID testing and medicine

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Test to Treat is a federally funded health care initiative that provides more accessible COVID-19 care. This option differs from the others in this article as you can use the Test to Treat centers to receive both COVID testing and treatment for infections. Like the other COVID-19 free testing options, Test to Treat has a locator tool that you can use to find an eligible Test to Treat center near you.

The Test to Treat center locatorworks like the other COVID testing search tools. Enter your location into the search bar and the tool will display Test to Treat locations in your area. A sliding bar lets you resize the search radius to capture all of the Test to Treat centers within your area.

Within the Test to Treat locator results, you'll be able to see each location's address, which COVID-19 therapeutics they offer and other special instructions you might need to know to get tested. If there's not an option to schedule a COVID test online through your chosen site, you may need to call.

Increasing Community Access to Testing provides COVID testing for the uninsured

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Increasing Community Access to Testing, or ICATT, is another free testing program that you can use if you need access to free COVID-19 testing. ICATT works a bit differently than the other programs on this list.

ICATT is specifically designed for uninsured patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone can get an ICATT test at one of the program's locations, regardless of insurance status. If you are uninsured and you wish to be tested at an ICATT-eligible site, you will not need to pay for your test. If you are insured, you might need to pay a fee.

TheICATT locator tool works just like the other locator tools for free COVID testing -- input your address or your ZIP code to find ICATT locations near you. There is a search radius adjuster in this locator to tweak your searches to capture the entire area that you want to search.

Once you've found a location, follow your testing site's steps for scheduling your appointment.

How can I get free COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots?

COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are an important protection against contracting or getting seriously ill from the virus. Since the CDC has recommended updated COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 6 months or older, you might be wondering how to find free COVID-19 vaccines.

If you don't have insurance or a health provider, don't worry. The Department of Health and Human Services websitesays, "COVID-19 vaccines are 100% free for every individual living in the United States."

On Sept. 14, the Department of Health and Human Services launched theBridge Access Program, which will continue to provide free vaccines to those who are uninsured through local health departments and HRSA centers. CDC has also partnered with "more than 20,000 retail pharmacy locations nationwide" to provide free vaccines by modifying the existing ICATT program mentioned above.

The Bridge Access Program will end in December 2024, but until then, you'll be able to access free COVID-19 vaccines. To use it, go to vaccines.gov, choose which shot you want, and then click the "search" button. On the next page, select the option that says "Bridge Access Program Participant" to show which locations offer no-cost vaccines.

For more, learn how your blood type could make you more susceptible to COVID and everything to know about the updated COVID-19 boosters.

Correction, Sept. 21, 2023: An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information about the cost of vaccines for people without insurance. It has been updated with information about how people can get free vaccines.

COVID Summer Surge: How to Get Free Tests to Keep Yourself Safe and Informed (2024)

FAQs

What time of year does COVID peak? ›

COVID-19 has peaks in the winter and also at other times of the year, including the summer, driven by new variants and decreasing immunity from previous infections and vaccinations.

How to get rid of COVID fast? ›

Many people with COVID-19 get better with rest, fluids and treatment for their symptoms. Medicine you can get without a prescription can help. Some examples are: Fever reducers.

What are the current COVID symptoms? ›

Symptoms of COVID-19

a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours. a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste. shortness of breath. feeling tired or exhausted.

Are you still contagious after 5 days of COVID? ›

You may still be contagious with a respiratory virus after returning to your normal activities, so it is important to take additional precautions. People with COVID-19 are often contagious for 5-10 days after their illness begins. People with flu may be contagious for up to 5-7 days after their illness begins.

Why does COVID peak in summer? ›

Hot weather, human behavior patterns, and an easily mutating virus create the perfect recipe for COVID's peak in the summer. Fall and winter are known as the time when respiratory viruses surge.

Is COVID getting worse in 2024? ›

COVID-19. As of July 30, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 35 states and territories, declining or likely declining in 2 states and territories, and are stable or uncertain in 7 states and territories.

How to get COVID out of your system? ›

COVID-19: Treatments and Medications
  1. Medications to reduce fever (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  2. Drinking water to stay hydrated.
  3. Getting plenty of rest to help your body fight off the virus.
Apr 16, 2024

What food is good for COVID? ›

If you're wondering what to eat with COVID, many whole foods—like fruits and whole grains—and dairy products can contain nutrients beneficial to immune system functioning while you're sick. Other foods and drinks, such as sweets and sodas, can be less helpful.

What is the best over the counter medicine for COVID? ›

Specifically, its guidelines state that most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home while treating symptoms with OTC medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil).

What is COVID FLiRT? ›

The COVID FLiRT variants are driving this summer's wave of infections. After five summers with us, COVID-19 has settled in. And it's become a bit of a FLiRT. FLiRT is the name given to the latest variants, which now account for more than 75% of the new COVID cases in the U.S.

What does the very beginning of COVID feel like? ›

Low-grade fever seems to be one of the more common early markers of COVID-19, Kline said, but not everyone will have a fever. Other potential symptoms include muscle aches, headaches, loss of appetite, and loss of taste or smell. Symptoms can appear between two and 14 days after exposure.

What are the symptoms of the newest strain of COVID? ›

The new COVID variant symptoms are similar to those of previous strains, including:
  • Fever and chills.
  • Headaches.
  • Loss of taste or smell.
  • Muscle soreness and aches.
  • Nausea.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Sore throat.
  • Vomiting.

Does a very faint line mean COVID is going away? ›

“The less dark, the line is, the less viral material that is present,” he says. “This could reflect diminishing contagiousness, or the start of it.”

Can I go out if I have COVID? ›

There are things you can do to reduce the spread of infection if you have symptoms or have tested positive. To prevent the spread of infection, you should stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you're unwell.

What drug do you take for COVID? ›

Act fast if you have symptoms for COVID-19.
TherapeuticType of treatmentStart time after symptoms first appear
Lagevrio (molnupiravir)Oral antiviral (pills)As soon as possible and up to 5 days
Veklury® (remdesivir)IV infusion antiviralAs soon as possible and up to 7 days
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What is the peak infectious time for COVID-19? ›

Quick read: Your infectious period

The COVID-19 infectious period can vary, but most people are considered infectious from 48 hours before their symptoms start and can be infectious for up to 10 days.

When was the peak of COVID? ›

COVID-19 cases and deaths initially peaked in late March and April, but after a brief reduction in June cases and deaths began rising again during July and continued to climb into early August.

What is the average time for having COVID? ›

Mild to moderate illness from COVID-19 usually lasts an average of 10 days. For some people, symptoms fade in a matter of days; for others, it takes weeks.

What is the average time to develop COVID? ›

On average, symptoms showed up in the newly infected person about 5.6 days after contact. Rarely, symptoms appeared as soon as 2 days after exposure. Most people with symptoms had them by day 12.

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