How do I know if I have COVID-19?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around an individual infected with COVID-19, you should get a viral COVID-19 test. If your test is positive, you should follow isolation guidance and inform your close contacts.
The Indiana Department of Health provides sites across the state to test people for COVID-19 with rapid (antigen) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests. Check the specific site information on the Indiana testing map. Sites that may offer rapid (antigen) testing are marked with a red pin. At-home rapid tests are also sold at pharmacies and select retailers. Order eight free at-home COVID-19 tests here.
- What should I do if I have COVID-19?
If you have COVID-19, or suspect that you do, stay home and isolate away from others. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. That includes using a separate bathroom when possible. Consult your doctor if you have concerns. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
Tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An infected person can spread COVID-19 starting 48 hours (or 2 days) before the person has any symptoms (or 48 hours before a positive test if the person has been asymptomatic throughout their illness). Notify anyone who you were within six feet of for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period, even if they were wearing a mask. If you would like to stay anonymous, there is also an online tool that allows you to tell your contacts by sending out emails or text notifications anonymously (www.tellyourcontacts.org). By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone.
- Will someone contact me to perform contact tracing?
Depending on the clinical site where you were tested, you will probably receive a text or email message with your test results and isolation guidance. It is your responsibility to notify your close contacts.
If you had a positive at-home test, your result will not be reported to a state or local health department so you will not receive a text message with isolation guidance. Only tests performed at a clinical site are reported. However, you can access isolation guidance on the IDOH website. If you would like to stay anonymous, there is also an online tool that allows you to tell your contacts by sending out emails or text notifications anonymously (www.tellyourcontacts.org). By letting your close contacts know they may have been exposed to COVID-19, you are helping to protect everyone. - What should my close contacts do?
It’s important for you to tell your close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19 so they can get tested and wear a well-fitting mask. Close contacts should follow CDC guidance and wear a mask for 10 days after exposure. If they are infected, they could spread COVID-19 starting 2 days before they have any symptoms or test positive. Someone is still considered a close contact even if they were wearing a mask while they were around you.
- Am I considered a close contact if I was wearing a face mask/covering?
Yes, a person is still considered a close contact even if they were wearing a mask while they were less than six feet from someone with COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
- Will my personal information be shared with others if I test positive for COVID-19?
How to clean
The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is easily inactivated (killed) by common household disinfectants. The virus may survive several hours to days in the environment depending on the surface. However, there is very limited information available on the survival of the virus on some surfaces and environments. Refer to the CDC guidance for detailed instructions.
Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces. High-touch surfaces include: Tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc. Clean surfaces using soap and water, then use disinfectant while wearing gloves.
Other Resources
Additional information and resources for COVID-19 are available below.
- Indiana Department of Health’s Public Information Line: 877-826-0011
- Indiana 2-1-1 (free service connecting people to local resources): 866-211-9966 and https://in211.communityos.org/
- CDC Isolation Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html
- CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/coronavirus-self-checker.html
- What to Do if You Were Exposed to COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html
- CDC COVID-19 webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
- Indiana Department of Health COVID-19 webpage: https://coronavirus.in.gov
- Indiana Department of Health COVID-19 testing webpage: https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2524.htm