As Flu Season Looms, MDHHS Says: Stay Home or Get a Free COVID Test Kit

As fall brings the annual surge in respiratory diseases, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to take advantage of free COVID-19 tests and stay vigilant about illness prevention.

LANSING, MI – As the fall season begins, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is reminding residents about the importance of COVID-19 testing, particularly as respiratory diseases like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza become more common during colder months. The department is encouraging Michigan families to secure free COVID-19 tests from the federal government and utilize state-specific resources for on-site testing.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive, emphasized the need for preventative measures, stating, “We encourage Michigan families to take advantage of the free COVID tests being provided to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Please stay home if you are sick, even if you have a negative COVID test.”

All U.S. residents can go to COVIDTests.gov to sign up to receive up to four free at-home tests per household delivered via the U.S. Postal Service.

Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests and Local Testing Options

U.S. residents can access four free at-home COVID-19 tests per household via COVIDTests.gov, with delivery through the U.S. Postal Service. This initiative is part of the federal government’s effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, particularly as cases are expected to rise during the colder months.

In addition to federal resources, Michigan residents can use Michigan.gov/COVIDTest to locate on-site testing facilities and Neighborhood Wellness Centers—formerly known as Neighborhood Testing Sites—which are offering both COVID-19 and influenza testing. These centers are also distributing free at-home COVID-19 tests, continuing MDHHS’s mission to provide easily accessible testing options across the state.

For even greater convenience, Michigan residents can obtain free at-home tests from participating libraries statewide. Residents are encouraged to check online for a list of participating libraries that have partnered with MDHHS to distribute tests.

Encouraging Personal COVID-19 Action Plans

MDHHS also urges Michigan families to develop a personal plan for managing COVID-19. The department recommends keeping a supply of at-home COVID tests and well-fitting masks on hand, getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and consulting with health care providers about therapeutics that may reduce the risk of severe illness in those who test positive.

“While testing for COVID-19 is essential, residents should also be aware of other respiratory illnesses like RSV and influenza, and practice general illness prevention,” added Dr. Bagdasarian.

As flu season begins, MDHHS’s reminder aims to help residents stay healthy and avoid the spread of preventable diseases. For additional information, Michigan residents can visit the MDHHS website or speak with local health care providers.

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