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

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:

  1. Watch yourself for symptoms for 10 days and wear a mask around others.
  2. Test 5 days after you were together or if you develop symptoms. If your home test is negative, test again in 48 hours.
  3. 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.