PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Update: This story was updated on Sept. 27, 2024, to reflect that orders are now open for free, at-home COVID test kits. The previous version of this story said that test kits would be available for order in late September, as the COVIDTests.gov website was not yet accepting orders.

As we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall, we also welcome coughs, sneezes and sore throats.

Allergies? The flu? COVID? Sometimes it’s hard to tell.

The U.S. government is once again sending free, at-home COVID tests to those who request them.

Each U.S. household can order four tests at COVIDTests.gov. The tests are shipped via the U.S. Postal Service.

A positive result indicates that the test found the virus, and it’s “very likely” that you have COVID-19, according to the website, which is operated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The HHS recommends repeat testing following a negative test result to reduce the possibility of reporting a false negative.

According to the website, the COVID test program previously sent more than 900 million tests to American households.

“CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter,” the website also reads. The updated booster aims to protect against the latest variant of the ever-changing virus.