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As the new school year begins, parents often prepare for the seasonal wave of illnesses that children tend to share at school. However, the 2021-2022 school year is likely to be anything but ordinary. Despite some school districts easing restrictions, the global pandemic is still a concern.
With the Delta variant on the rise and increasing COVID-19 cases among children, a simple stuffy nose can’t just be dismissed as a common cold. It’s essential to differentiate between typical colds and more serious health issues, making at-home COVID-19 rapid tests a potentially valuable resource for alleviating parental anxiety.
Parents understandably feel uneasy about sending their kids back to school, especially with no vaccine currently available for those under twelve. Mask policies vary widely, with some districts not requiring them at all and several states prohibiting mask mandates. Additionally, many school districts, including New York City, lack virtual learning options for families with health concerns. Not all schools have clear procedures for managing outbreaks, either. While at-home COVID-19 tests cannot replace vaccinations or mask-wearing, they can offer parents some reassurance as we navigate yet another challenging school year amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Why Consider an At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Test?
Dr. Ella Johnson, CEO of QuickTest, emphasizes that these tests are designed to provide a straightforward way for individuals to diagnose COVID-19 and make informed health decisions for themselves and their families. With the school year commencing against a backdrop of rising COVID-19 cases, children are likely to encounter the virus at some point. Quickly determining whether symptoms indicate a common cold or COVID-19 can be crucial. Dr. Johnson states, “Getting results sooner reduces the risk of spreading it within your household and community. Knowing you have COVID-19 as soon as possible is vital information.”
How Do At-Home COVID-19 Tests Compare to Medical Facility Tests?
QuickTest was among the first to gain authorization for at-home COVID-19 testing, and several other FDA-approved options are now available. These tests can be conveniently purchased from retailers like CVS, Amazon, and Target. There are two types of at-home testing: home collection tests, where samples are sent to a lab, and rapid tests that provide results in minutes right at home. It’s important to note that these are not Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.
Dr. Johnson explains that at-home COVID tests use either antigen detection or molecular testing technologies. Antigen tests work similarly to a pregnancy test, identifying specific COVID-19 molecules, while molecular tests are slightly more accurate as they detect the virus’s RNA.
How Are These Tests Administered?
Most rapid COVID tests can be used by both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals, and they are suitable for children aged 2 and up. Most tests involve a nasal swab, although some use saliva samples. “For first-time users, the process of taking a sample is simple and takes about 10 minutes,” Dr. Johnson reassures. The QuickTest kit even includes a child-friendly adapter to help make swabbing easier and less intimidating for kids.
While at-home collection kits require sending samples to a lab for results within 24 to 72 hours, rapid tests can yield results in mere minutes.
What is the Average Cost of At-Home Rapid COVID Tests?
Fortunately, at-home rapid COVID-19 tests are relatively affordable. Most FDA-approved home collection kits typically cost around $100-$120, while home testing kits range from $20 to $40. Though this is an out-of-pocket expense, many health savings accounts can cover the costs.
Parents naturally worry about the risk of their children being exposed to COVID-19. Having access to rapid tests can provide some peace of mind during these stressful times. If stocking your medicine cabinet with at-home COVID-19 rapid tests helps ease that anxiety, it might be worth considering.
For more information, check out this related post on home insemination kits. If you’re on a fertility journey, resources like Make A Mom can be very helpful. Additionally, for a comprehensive understanding of pregnancy options, visit Healthline’s guide on IVF.
Summary
As schools reopen amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns, parents are encouraged to consider keeping at-home rapid tests in their medicine cabinets. With the potential for illness among children and the unpredictability of school policies, these tests offer a quick way to determine health status and manage risks effectively.
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