This page explains exactly how to use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool, what your results mean, when to test (and re-test), when to seek care, how treatment windows work, and how to return to normal activities safely. It follows current CDC/WHO guidance and keeps everything lightweight, private, and easy to understand.

Why we built this COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

When you’re sick, you need clear next steps, not 20 tabs of conflicting advice. The COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool gives you instant, personalized guidance based on symptoms, exposure, test status, and risk factors (age, pregnancy, and underlying conditions). It’s ultra-fast, mobile-first, and privacy-respecting—all logic runs in your browser with no login required.

This page also doubles as an education hub with plain-English explanations you can trust, plus reliable authority links for deeper reading.

Helpful internal tools:

• Track fever trends alongside your assessment with our Fever Tracker & Temperature Log.
• Log and review broader symptoms using our Symptom Checker.
• If a clinician recommends medicines, review basics with our Medicine Dosage Calculator (educational use only).

How the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool works (in 60 seconds)

1. You enter basics: age, pregnancy status, when symptoms began (if any), current symptoms, test status, and risk conditions.
2. The tool checks for emergency red flags first. If any are present, it shows urgent care instructions immediately (e.g., trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion). CDC
3. It weighs symptom count + risk factors (e.g., 65+, immunocompromise, chronic conditions) to classify your situation (standard vs. higher-risk).
4. It aligns advice to testing and treatment windows: rapid antigen repeat testing after a negative, plus “ask a clinician ASAP” when within antiviral windows. CDC+1U.S. Food and Drug Administration
5. It summarizes practical next steps and provides one-tap exports (print/PDF, copy, CSV) for your records or doctor visit.

Heads-up: Guidance about returning to activities uses the symptom-based approach—stay home when sick, and you can resume normal activities after 24 hours fever-free (without meds) and improving symptoms, with added precautions for several days. Follow local rules if they are stricter. CDC+1

When to use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool

• You have new respiratory symptoms (fever/chills, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache, body aches, fatigue, GI symptoms, or loss/change in taste/smell).
• You had a recent close contact and are unsure when or how to test.
• You received a positive or negative test and want to know accurate next steps (including when to repeat a rapid antigen test).
• You’re 65+, pregnant, or have underlying conditions and want to know if you’re within a treatment window. CDC

What your results mean (and what to do next)

1) Emergency signs → seek care now

If you report trouble breathing, persistent chest pain/pressure, new confusion, inability to wake/stay awake, or pale/gray/blue lips/skin, the tool flags Emergency advice. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. If available, wear a well-fitting mask while traveling for care. CDC

2) Higher-risk situations → consider early treatment

If you’re 65+, pregnant, or have certain medical conditions (e.g., chronic lung or heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, obesity, immunocompromise), the tool highlights that timing matters. Many oral antivirals for COVID-19 are most effective when started within 5 days of symptom onset (some regimens up to 7 days, depending on local protocols and availability). Talk to a clinician as soon as possible if you test positive or if symptoms just started. CDC

3) Negative rapid test but still symptomatic → re-test

Rapid antigen tests can be negative early in infection. If you’re symptomatic or recently exposed and you tested negative, the FDA and CDC recommend repeat antigen testing about 48 hours later (serial testing), or confirm with a NAAT/PCR. The tool reminds you to schedule that repeat test automatically. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCDC

4) Positive test → stay home when sick, time your return

If your test is positive, stay home while sick. You can return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true: symptoms are improving and you’re fever-free without fever-reducing medication. After resuming activities, use added precautions (e.g., a well-fitting mask) for several days—especially around higher-risk people. Local rules (school, work, travel) may add requirements—follow them. CDC+1

Testing, timing, and accuracy: practical guidance

Which test and when?

• Rapid antigen (at-home) tests are fast and good at telling you when you’re contagious—but a single negative early on can miss infection. That’s why serial testing (repeat in ~48 hours) matters. If symptoms persist, consider a NAAT/PCR for confirmation. U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationCDC
• NAAT/PCR tests are more sensitive and can confirm a positive or negative result, but they may detect non-infectious viral remnants later in recovery. Use them strategically (e.g., clinical decisions, high-risk exposure, or when antigen results are unclear).

Common testing mistakes to avoid:

• Testing too early (e.g., within a few hours of symptom onset) and assuming a single negative rules everything out.
• Not repeating an antigen test 48 hours later when the first is negative but symptoms or exposure continue. U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• Ignoring treatment windows while waiting for repeated tests if you’re higher risk—talk to a clinician promptly when symptoms start. CDC

Pair the tool with these helpers:

• Use our Fever Tracker & Temperature Log to document fever resolution and symptom improvement.
• If your symptoms widen beyond classic COVID features, check our Symptom Checker.

Treatment windows, risk factors, and questions to ask your clinician

If the tool classifies you as Higher-risk, it will clearly state that you may be eligible for early outpatient treatment. Many options are most effective within 5 days of symptom onset; some clinical pathways discuss up to 7 days depending on the drug and country-specific approvals. Bring this checklist to your appointment:

• Symptom start date (the tool displays your “symptom day” counter).
• Current medications (to screen for interactions—especially if Paxlovid is considered). CDC
• Kidney/liver disease history (some antivirals need adjusted dosing or are contraindicated). CDC
• Recent test results (antigen/NAAT, dates).

Tip: Don’t self-delay. If you’re within the window and at higher risk, contact a clinician ASAP even if you’re still scheduling a confirmatory test. CDC

Returning to normal activities safely (and protecting others)

The tool’s baseline guidance mirrors current public-health advice: stay home while sick; then, after 24 hours fever-free (without meds) and improving overall, you can return to normal activities and use added precautions for several days (like masking around high-risk people, better ventilation, and hand hygiene). This approach aligns COVID-19 with broader respiratory virus guidance for daily life. Your local health authority or employer may have additional or stricter rules—follow those. CDC+1

Designed for global use: simple, fast, and private

• No logins, no heavy libraries. The entire COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool runs in your browser—fast even on low-end phones.
• Accessible UI. Clear labels, keyboard support, readable text, and strong contrast.
• Invisible analytics. Only anonymous interaction events are tracked (e.g., “Assess clicked”), so you can improve UX without storing health data.
• Educational, not diagnostic. The tool helps you organize information and take appropriate next steps; it doesn’t replace a clinician.

Step-by-step: get the most from your results

1. Complete the assessment carefully (age, symptom onset date, test type/date, exposure).
2. Check the badge (Emergency / Higher-risk / Standard advice).
3. Read the “Next steps” list—it’s ordered by urgency and includes repeat-test timing if needed.
4. Export your summary (Print/PDF or Copy) for a telehealth visit.
5. If you’re higher-risk and within 5–7 days of onset, contact a clinician immediately about antivirals. CDC
6. Use added precautions for a few days after returning to activities, especially around high-risk friends/family. CDC

Evidence you can trust

We continuously align the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool with reputable, up-to-date sources:

• CDC: emergency warning signs, return-to-activity criteria, testing strategy, and outpatient treatment windows. CDC+3CDC+3CDC+3
• FDA: serial antigen testing intervals after a negative result (~48 hours). U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• WHO: global clinical management living guideline for COVID-19 (June 2025). World Health Organization

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Quick links (authoritative sources)

• CDC: Symptoms & emergency signs; Testing & serial antigen guidance; Outpatient treatment windows; Return-to-activities examples. CDC+3CDC+3CDC+3
• FDA: At-home antigen test FAQ (repeat after ~48 hours if negative). U.S. Food and Drug Administration
• WHO: COVID-19 clinical management — living guideline (June 2025). World Health Organization

Internal resources to use next

• Track symptoms and fever course with the Fever Tracker & Temperature Log.
• Cross-check other causes or co-symptoms with the Symptom Checker.
• Review medicine basics (if prescribed) with the Medicine Dosage Calculator.
• If you have specific risk areas, you may also explore our Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool or Kidney Health Checker for general education (not diagnostic).

Important medical disclaimer

The COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool and this page are for education only and do not diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical care. If you think you are experiencing an emergency, seek care immediately.