Take Care, Texas!

COVID-19 Saliva Testing

Take Care, Texas offers FREE and easy COVID-19 saliva testing to adults at our East Texas events. Check out our video to learn more:

• When do I need to get a COVID-19 test?

  You should get tested if you: feel sick; have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19; have been in an enclosed or crowded space; are required to by your job, local government, or healthcare provider; spend time with children under 12; or live with people who are high risk. For accuracy, testing should be done 3 or 4 days after you think you’ve been exposed; otherwise, you may need to take a second test. For the most current list of symptoms, go to cdc.gov.

• What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

  Because the virus is changing all the time, so are the symptoms. For example, the symptoms of the new Delta variant are different than the original symptoms were 18 months ago. Also, your symptoms may be different if you’ve been vaccinated. Symptoms usually appear 2 to 4 days after exposure to the virus. For the latest  list of symptoms, visit cdc.gov.

• Can vaccinated people get COVID-19?

  If you are fully vaccinated, you can still get sick from COVID-19 and pass the virus to others, but you are a lot less likely to get very ill or need hospital care. Right now, 99% of all people dying from coronavirus are unvaccinated. If you feel sick, you should get tested.  For a list of symptoms, visit cdc.gov.

• Do I need to get tested if I’m fully vaccinated?

  If you feel sick or think you’ve been infected, get tested--whether you’re vaccinated or not--and even if you’ve had COVID-19 already. If you are infected, you spread the virus to others even if you feel fine. To learn more about the latest symptoms, go to cdc.gov.

• Why should I get tested? Isn’t COVID-19 almost over?

  No. The new Delta variant is spreading, and it is at least twice as contagious than the previous strain of COVID-19. Early testing means you can take action to help prevent the spread. Also, if your test shows that you have been infected, you can get treated earlier, which could save your life.

• Do I need ID to get a test?

  You do not need to show any identification to get a COVID-19 test. The test and your results are confidential.

• How much does a COVID-19 test cost?

  COVID-19 testing is free at many sites including all Take Care, Texas testing sites. Other sites may bill your insurance or charge a copay. Call 211 to find free sites in your area.

• Which COVID-19 test do you offer at these locations?

  These locations use the nose swab PCR test. This is the most accurate COVID-19 test available.

• What is the test like?

  The test is quick and easy. A special cotton swab (like a Q-Tip) goes in your nose, gets swirled around for a few seconds, and then placed in a tube for testing. That’s it. The nose swab might feel a little strange, but it is not painful.

• How long does it take to get results after my test?

  It takes about 48 hours to get results. Depending on the day of the week you get your test, you could get results more quickly or up to 72 hours later.

• Are my results confidential?

  Yes, your COVID-19 results are for your eyes only. The personal information is not shared with anyone without your permission.

• What if I test positive?

  To protect yourself and others, you should stay home if you test positive, except to get medical care. Take care of yourself. Get rest. And drink lots of fluids. Over-the-counter medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help you feel better. Most people can recover at home without medical care.

• How can I find other COVID-19 testing locations in my area?

  Call 211 for help finding COVID-19 locations near you.

• Why are more COVID-19 cases suddenly showing up in hospitals?

  There are new, much more contagious strains of COVID-19 out there, like the Delta variant. Most COVID-19 patients who end up in the hospital are unvaccinated. Because the virus is spread through the air, it’s important that you wear a mask, even if you are vaccinated.

• Why should I be worried about COVID-19 if I’m not vaccinated?

  Right now, 99% of the people dying from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. If you’re not vaccinated, you should be wearing a mask, watching out for symptoms, and getting tested to protect yourself and your family.

• What can I expect when our kids go back to school?

  When unvaccinated kids go back to school, they’re more likely to bring the virus home. To protect them and any at-risk family members, be sure to look for any signs that your child feels sick or has a fever or other COVID-19 symptoms and get them tested. Regular testing once a week can help give your family peace of mind.

Take Care, Texas is a two-year program led by UTHealth School of Public Health and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler working to increase COVID-19 testing in our communities and help stop the spread of infection.