Last updated: 10/24/25

 

Testing for COVID-19 or flu provides useful information that can help you decide what to do next, such as seek treatment and take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to your friends and family. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 may seem similar to the flu or RSV. If you are sick with symptoms of these respiratory illnesses, it is important to stay home and away from others.  

If your test is positive and you are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 or flu, you can seek treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalization. 

 

At-Home COVID-19 or Flu Test Kits

Most pharmacies, grocery, big-box stores, and online retailers sell at-home COVID-19 or flu test kits. Federal law no longer requires insurance companies to cover the full cost of at-home test kits, so first check with your health insurance plan (including Medicare or Medicaid/HUSKY Health) to find out if you will be responsible for any co-pay or cost.

Can I Use My Test Kit If It Is Past the Expiration Date On The Box?

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the expiration dates for several at-home COVID-19 test kits. An extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized. Before you throw away an older test kit, check to see if it is still OK to use on the FDA’s list here.

In-Person COVID-19 or Flu Testing

Many local healthcare providers offer in-person COVID-19 or flu testing for their existing patients. Call your provider’s office for information on how to schedule a COVID-19 or flu test.

If you are an established or newly-established patient at one of the local Health Centers, click the link below or call for their COVID-19 or flu testing services:

• Community Health Center (CHC) or call (860) 863-4600 

• Family Centers or call (203) 463-2682

• Optimus Health Center or call (203) 621-3700

Health Centers such as these (also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers or FQHCs) are nonprofit health centers or clinics that serve medically underserved areas and populations. They provide a range of primary care services on a sliding scale fee based on your ability to pay.

 

Two Types of COVID-19 Testing: Which One is Right For Me?

There are two main types of COVID-19 tests: Antigen and PCR.

• Antigen tests (such as at-home test kits) produce results fast -- usually in 15-30 minutes. A ‘positive’ result is reliable and means you very likely have COVID-19. However, an antigen test may not detect the virus early in an infection and return a false negative result, especially if you don’t have any symptoms.

• If your first test is negative using an at-home antigen test, the FDA recommends repeat testing -- whether or not you have symptoms -- to increase the likelihood of an accurate result. If you test negative, test again 48 hours after your first test. If the second test is negative, wait another 48 hours and then take a third test.

• PCR tests are more accurate at detecting COVID-19. A PCR test that is negative for COVID-19 is more reliable even when you do not have any symptoms. The test is sent to a lab for analysis, so it takes longer to get your results -- usually 2-3 days. Some locations now have rapid PCR tests that return results in a few hours.

• Learn more about how to choose which COVID-19 test is best for you.

 

 

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