HOME TEST or CLINIC TEST?

Check the CDC’s self-testing page: SELF-TESTING

 

CLINIC TEST: 

If you are unvaccinated and have symptoms (even mild ones), call your doctor right away. You may need treatment that can only be arranged by the doctor.

 

HOME TEST: 

· If you are vaccinated or unvaccinated, and have mild symptoms.

· If you're vaccinated and were exposed to someone confirmed to have COVID, multiple self-

tests" (every 48 hours for 2-10 days) starting 3 days after exposure) can help identify a breakthrough case early.

​

(DO NOT go into a pharmacy yourself if you have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID!)

 

What if my home test is positive?

~ Notify your medical provider if you are at high risk for complications. This includes being older

    than 65 and/or having a chronic medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart or lung

    disease, an autoimmune disorder, cancer diagnosis or have undergone cancer treatment in

    recent years, obesity, or diabetes.

~ Oregon Health Authority has a webpage with instructions on what to do next:      https://govstatus.egov.com/or-oha-covid-19-positive-test

~ Oregon Health Authority also has a COVID-19 Case Support Hotline for resources while you

    isolate: Call 866-917-8881 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

~ Call the health department if you have questions or need assistance to get food, medicine,  

    rental or utilities assistance, alternative housing, or a letter for your employer.

          Hood River Health Dept: 541-386-1115

          Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam Counties: 541-506-2600

          Klickitat County Health Dept: 541-493-1558

​

Home COVID tests are available to buy at Gorge pharmacies. 

        Hi-School (White Salmon) (509-493-4842) 2-pack for $30.00

        Walgreens -The Dalles (541-296-3190) 2-pack for $25.00

        Walgreens - Hood River (541-386-6280) 2-pack for $25.00

        Rite Aid -The Dalles (541-298-5680) 2-pack for $25.00

        Rite Aid - Hood River (541-387-2428) 2-pack for $25.00

 

In general, these tests are less sensitive than tests at most health care facilities. 

(DO NOT go into a pharmacy yourself if you have symptoms or if you have been

exposed to COVID!)

 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TESTS

These are "antigen" tests, that work like a home pregnancy test, where an antibody is included on the test strip and reacts very specifically with a protein (the "antigen") on the SARS Co-V-2 virus to cause a visible color change. In general, these tests are slightly less sensitive and specific than the "Nucleic Acid Amplification" or PCR tests you would get at most health care facilities