Symptoms

Chills icon

Fever or chills

Coughing

Cough

Shortness of breath icon

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue graphic

Fatigue

Muscle Pain icon

Muscle or body aches

Headache graphic

Headache

Loss of Smell icon

New loss of taste or smell

Sore Throat icon

Sore throat

Runny nose icon

Congestion or
runny nose

Nausea icon

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea icon

Diarrhea

CDC Self-Checker

 


If the Self-Checker module doesn’t work, please visit the CDC’s website.

Who Can Be Tested?

Man getting his temperature taken while in his car by a healthcare professional wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)The State of Ohio has given health care organizations guidance that allows them to order a test for anyone who wants a test, but some testing sites may have restrictions. Testing standards differ among medical providers and retail locations. Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care or testing. You should get a test for COVID-19 if you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to a person who has COVID-19.

Many retail pharmacy locations, doctor’s offices, and community health centers will screen an individual before they order or perform a test. They may ask if you have symptoms or if you’re part of an at-risk population. It’s important to call ahead to ask about their screening procedures and standards, including minimum age for testing, insurance requirements, and physician’s order requirements.

What is the difference between a diagnostic (or PCR) test and antibody testing?

What it does: Doctors use this test to diagnose people who are currently sick with COVID-19.

How it works: This test uses a sample of mucus typically taken from a person’s nose or throat. The test may also work on saliva — that’s under investigation. It looks for the genetic material of the coronavirus. The test uses a technology called PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which greatly amplifies the viral genetic material if it is present. That material is detectable when a person is actively infected.

COVID-19 Testing Guidance FAQ from ODH

What it does: Antibody tests identify people who have previously been infected with the coronavirus. They do not show whether a person is currently infected. This is primarily a good way to track the spread of the coronavirus through a population.

How it works: This is a blood test. It looks for antibodies to the coronavirus. Your body produces antibodies in response to an infectious agent such as a virus. These antibodies generally arise after four days to more than a week after infection, so they are not used to diagnose current disease.

Where Can I Be Tested?

If you or someone you know is experiencing the emergency warning signs* for COVID-19, seek emergency medical care immediately. Signs include:
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Severe difficulty/trouble breathing
  • New confusion
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Inability to wake or to stay awake
  • *This is not a list of all possible severe symptoms.

Ohio Department
of Health's

Interactive map
of testing sites

Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities

Click here to read about COVID-19 testing in nursing homes.

Click here to see the data about cases in long-term care facilities in Franklin County.

Senior woman with a health care worker in a nursing home.