[M T]

Given the scarcity of tests, if I had even mild symptoms (like a cold, not a flu) I would not likely go get tested. Save the tests for people who are sicker and may need medical attention/assistance.

Please consider that if you think you have COVID and are concerned that you are in a risk group (so you want meds), you probably want a RT-PCR test, not an antigen test.  If you can't get a PCR test soon enough to get treated, go ahead with antigen.  (See this UCSF doc's tale)

If you think you do NOT have COVID, but you might shortly put someone at risk (or maybe a large group) if you happen to be infected but asymptomatic so far, that is a great time to do an antigen test.

If an antigen test comes back positive for COVID, isolate.  False positives are really rare (roughly 0% - in the several studies I've looked at, exactly 0%).  If it comes back negative, well, that doesn't mean too much.  Maybe you do, maybe you don't.

(I am not a physician. Consult your physician and follow their advice.)

[M T]

Given the scarcity of tests, if I had even mild symptoms (like a cold, not a flu) I would not likely go get tested. Save the tests for people who are sicker and may need medical attention/assistance.

Please consider that if you think you have COVID and are concerned that you are in a risk group (so you want meds), you probably want a RT-PCR test, not an antigen test.  If you can't get a PCR test soon enough to get treated, go ahead with antigen.  (See this UCSF doc's tale)

If you think you do NOT have COVID, but you might shortly put someone at risk (or maybe a large group) if you happen to be infected but asymptomatic so far, that is a great time to do an antigen test.

If an antigen test comes back positive for COVID, isolate.  False positives are really rare (roughly 0% - in the several studies I've looked at, exactly 0%).  If it comes back negative, well, that doesn't mean too much.  Maybe you do, maybe you don't.

(I am not a physician. Consult your physician and follow their advice.)