This is the best time to test for COVID before the holidays

Real ways to make a difference in your life, one small thing at a time.

December 20, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER December 20, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER One Small Thing Real ways to make a difference in your life. When is the best time to test for COVID-19 before holiday gatherings? It's officially holiday season in the United States, and unfortunately respiratory virus season, as well.   "If you want to be absolutely sure, the more sensitive test is the PCR test," Dr. Thomas Murray, associate medical director for infection prevention at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital in Connecticut, told TODAY. These are the most reliable tests for people with or without symptoms, per the CDC, but they are usually performed in a laboratory, so it takes longer to get results.   The ideal timing for taking a PCR test depends on how fast you can get the test results back, said Murray. "If you can find a place that has a 24 to 48 hour turnaround, then a couple of days before the event is ideal," said Murray. While waiting for the PCR results, people can opt to take extra precautions like wearing a mask or isolating, said Murray, especially if they are going to see someone who's very high risk.    Tap the link to find out more. READ MORE MY HEALTH STORY Cancer patient inspired to become a nurse after diagnosis Inspired by the care she received from nurses during her battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Molly Pratt decided to make helping others her life mission. NBC's Savannah Sellers reports for TODAY. (Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson) Cancer patient inspired to become a nurse after diagnosis Inspired by the care she received from nurses during her battle with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Molly Pratt decided to make helping others her life mission. NBC's Savannah Sellers reports for TODAY. (Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson) READ MORE GET FIT A daily stretching routine that will help make stretching a habit in just 5 minutes Yes, just five minutes a day can have positive effects on your physical and mental health. A daily stretching routine that will help make stretching a habit in just 5 minutes Yes, just five minutes a day can have positive effects on your physical and mental health. READ MORE EAT BETTER TODAY A 3-day-a-week diet? How the Military diet eating plan works This diet restricts what you eat for three days and loosens up for four days. Here's what you need to know — and what experts think about the eating plan. A 3-day-a-week diet? How the Military diet eating plan works This diet restricts what you eat for three days and loosens up for four days. Here's what you need to know — and what experts think about the eating plan. READ MORE SEND US FEEDBACK FOLLOW US ON TWITTER MORE TODAY NEWSLETTERS 30 Rockefeller Plaza  New York, NY 10112 MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION | UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT MANAGE SUBSCRIPTION | UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT