You’ve been tested for COVID-19. Now what?

By CJ Blomquist

OptumCare

COVID tests are increasingly common. Just last week, Orange County announced an at-home test that would be available to all residents. This is great news if you think you’ve been exposed. But what does testing mean?

It’s a moment in time. Your test result doesn’t tell you the future. It only determines if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 when you get tested. You could still be exposed to the virus afterward. Many people want to get tested, but doctors encourage people to get tested only if they think they have been exposed. A negative test result could give you a false sense of security going forward—and that could be dangerous.

It’s confidential. Your test results are only shared with public health officials. They aren’t shared with anyone else. This means you are responsible for sharing the results with your doctor. You don’t have to—it’s your choice. But as we learn more about the long-term health effects of COVID-19, it’s important your primary doctor knows your status, so they can help you to stay as healthy as possible.

It’s not a free pass. No matter your test results, be vigilant about being safe. Keep washing your hands, wearing your mask over your nose and mouth, and following social-distancing guidelines. It isn’t time to let your guard down.

This is a really tough month, as we gear up for the most festive time of the year without the usual festivities. There is hope on the horizon: With newly approved vaccines, next year’s holiday season could be back to normal. But it all requires us to do our part now.

Even if you're COVID negative, you need to do your part.