COVID-19 is an illness that usually causes respiratory symptoms like a cold, flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 can affect other parts of your body as well. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can get very sick.
You may be at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 if you are older, have a weakened immune system, or have certain disabilities or health conditions.
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
COVID-19 Vaccines:
- Everyone age 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It is especially important if you are age 65 or older, at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, or you have never had a COVID-19 vaccine.
- The CDC recommends that people 65 and older and people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. People who are immunocompromised should talk with their provider about additional doses (three or more).
- COVID-19 vaccines help protect you from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or dying from COVID-19. Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is important to stay up to date.
- If you have health insurance, talk to your healthcare provider or go to your local pharmacy. You can also visit vaccines.gov to find a pharmacy near you that offers COVID-19 vaccines for people age 3 and up.
- If you do not have health insurance, contact Access Carroll at 410-871-1478 or the Health Department at 410-876-2152 for assistance.
- The Health Department will schedule limited COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children age 6 months - 3 years.
You can also take extra steps to protect yourself and others.
- Free COVID tests are currently available at local libraries.
- You can also order four more free tests for your household at covidtests.gov.
- Or ask your healthcare provider about testing.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
- Take steps to prevent the spread of illness.
- Stay home and away from others.
- Wait until your symptoms are improving and you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours before going back to your activities.
- Take added steps like masking and hand washing for the next 5 days. This is especially important when you are with people who are at higher risk.
- Talk to a healthcare provider about treatment if you are at higher risk for severe illness.
- Treatment for COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- It must be started within 5-7 days after your symptoms started.
- If you have emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
If you test negative for COVID-19:
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