COVID-19
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.
Vaccines are the best way to prevent getting very sick, going to the hospital or even dying from Covid-19.
With Covid-19 still spreading, it’s important to keep your vaccine up to date to protect against serious illness.
Symptoms
Covid-19 often causes respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold, flu or pneumonia. Most people have mild symptoms, but some can become severely ill and can die.
COVID-19 symptoms
COVID-19 Vaccines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone over 6 months of age get the newly updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Everyone 5 years and older should get one dose. Children 6 months to 4 years old may need multiple doses. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Where to Get Covid-19 Vaccines
- Your doctor or medical clinic
- Pharmacies and grocery stores
- Jackson County Public Health
- Search vaccines.gov, or call 1-800-232-0233, or text your zip code to 438829 Latest vaccine recommendations from the CDC.
- Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 Testing
Get tested if:
- You have Covid-19 symptoms
- You were a close contact of someone with Covid-19
Take a home test, ask your medical provider or visit an Urgent Care Center.
Were You Exposed?
If you had close contact (15 minutes or more, with or without a mask) with someone who has Covid-19:
- Watch yourself for symptoms for 10 days and wear a mask around others.
- Test 5 days after you were together or if you develop symptoms. If your home test is negative, test again in 48 hours.
- Limit in-person contact or wear a mask around people who are at greater risk for 10 days.
If you feel sick:
If you have Covid-19 symptoms, assume you're contagious.
- Stay home and away from others
- Take a Covid-19 test
- Tell people you were around that you got sick
- Take care of yourself and learn about treatment options If you are sick or caring for someone with COVID-19
Treatment
There are medicines that can make a COVID-19 illness less severe when started early. Talk to your provider early in your illness if you have risk for severe disease.
Available COVID-19 Medicines and How to Access COVID-19 Medicines (OHA)
COVID-19 Treatments and Medications (CDC)
Prevent the spread of COVID-19
To lower your own risk of getting COVID-19 and increase protection for those who are more vulnerable:
- Stay home when sick
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Masks
Masks are always welcome as a way to reduce risk for yourself and the community. They are an important tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
We recommend wearing masks indoors if you are around others and you are:
- At high risk
- Sick or tested positive and can’t stay home
- Or if you have recently been exposed to COVID.
Employers and businesses may have their own mask requirements.
At times of high COVID spread, Jackson County Public Health may recommend everyone wearing a mask indoors until disease activity quiets down.
Use and care of masks (CDC)
Getting Care
If you don't have a doctor, call 211. Interpreters are available.