If i was showing symptoms of covid, would i test positive? i have a sore throat, got tested, and received a negative. i want to be sure i wont be infecting others if i tested too soon?

It's common to test negative if you test only a day or so after onset of symptoms. On the other hand false positive tests are a rarity. Test again after another day or two of symptoms. If you're truly negative after 5 days,I doubt you have covid. Until then socially distance from others.

The home rapid covid test is not that sensitive, false negative can be as high as 40% with certain manufacturers. You can test it again and if the test is still negative, chance of covid-19 infection is much lower but you should isolate yourself for at least 5 days since the first symptom appeared. Flu season comes early this year so influenza infection can't be ruled out.