Should You Stock Up on At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Tests This Fall?

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As the school year approaches, parents often prepare for the seasonal wave of colds and flu that kids tend to bring home from school. However, the 2021-2022 academic year is unlikely to resemble a typical year. With the Delta variant on the rise and a notable increase in COVID-19 cases among children, a mere stuffy nose can no longer be dismissed as just a common cold. This makes it essential for parents to differentiate between mild illnesses and more serious conditions. At-home COVID-19 rapid tests can provide some reassurance.

It’s completely normal for parents to feel anxious about sending their unvaccinated children back to school, especially given the inconsistent mask policies across various districts. While some schools have dropped mask mandates entirely, others are still figuring out their protocols, leaving many families feeling uncertain. Moreover, not all districts provide virtual learning options for students with health concerns, which adds to the stress.

The Importance of At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Tests

According to Dr. Lisa Harrington, founder and CEO of HealthTech Innovations, “Our goal is to offer a straightforward method for diagnosing COVID-19, enabling families to make informed health decisions.” As schools reopen and cases rise, the likelihood of children encountering the virus increases. Rapid tests can help determine if a child has COVID-19 or just a cold, which is crucial for community health. “Receiving results quickly minimizes the risk of spreading the virus,” Dr. Harrington adds.

How Do At-Home Tests Compare to Facility Tests?

While several companies, including HealthTech Innovations, have received FDA approval for at-home COVID-19 tests, they vary in methods. Tests can either be sent to a lab for analysis or provide results in minutes. Notably, these at-home tests are not the same as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.

Dr. Harrington explains that at-home tests utilize two main technologies: antigen detection, which functions similarly to a pregnancy test, and molecular testing, which identifies the virus’s genetic material for higher accuracy.

How Are Tests Administered?

Most rapid tests are suitable for children aged two and above and can be administered using a nasal swab or saliva sample. For first-time users, the process is straightforward and takes about ten minutes. The HealthTech Innovations kit even includes a child-friendly swab adapter to ease the experience for parents and children alike.

Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Rapid Tests

The good news is that at-home rapid tests are relatively affordable. While lab collection kits typically cost between $100-$120, home testing kits range from $20 to $40. Although this expense is out-of-pocket, health savings accounts may cover it.

Parents are right to be concerned about COVID-19 exposure for their children. Having at-home rapid tests on hand can alleviate some of the stress during these challenging times. If stocking your medicine cabinet with these tests brings peace of mind, it’s certainly worth considering.

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Summary

As COVID-19 cases continue to affect children, at-home rapid tests can be a valuable tool for parents. They help distinguish between common ailments and COVID-19, reducing the risk of transmission. With affordable options available and a variety of testing methods, these tests can provide much-needed reassurance during the ongoing pandemic.