The best time to take an at-home Covid test if you think you have symptoms

As part of a study, researchers studied the viral load with those presenting with symptoms of a Covid infection. Around 348 people, who had previously been vaccinated or infected with Covid , were found to have a viral load that peaked a few days after symptoms started. Author John Brownstein explained: “Viral load just refers to the amount of virus that is replicating in your body. At the beginning of an infection, there are limited viral copies but, as the infection progresses, more of the virus will replicate in the body. If you test too soon the results may show a false negative (Image: Getty) According to the study’s results, the fourth day when symptoms appear is the optimal time to test for Covid. While a Covid test could pick up some infections within the first three days of symptoms onset, they are more likely to be negative. Brownstein said: “New variants may cause differences in [the] timing of viral load.” As for the variant in this research study, participants were based in Georgia, America, where the Omicron variant is predominately in circulation. Early symptoms of Covid may not be picked up on a rapid flow test (Image: Getty) Brownstein added that the differences in the timing of viral load, dependent on the variant, “may affect the timing of when tests may be the most optimal to detect the virus”. The author said: “This study highlights the challenges of optimising test performance and timing for the most effective action.” Symptoms of Covid , as pointed out by the NHS: A high temperature or shivering (chills) – a high temperature means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature) A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three 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 An aching body A headache A sore throat A blocked or runny nose Loss of appetite Diarrhoea Feeling sick or being sick. The health body says people are no longer required to do a Covid rapid lateral flow test if presenting with symptoms of Covid. If, however, you have tested and the results are positive, you are advised to “stay at home” for five days after the test was taken. People are also advised to “avoid contact with other people for three days” for the same time period. Those who tested positive are recommended to stay away from vulnerable groups for at least 10 days since a positive Covid test. The study was published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.