The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us just how important it is to be prepared. While COVID-19 is not causing the same levels of severe illness and death as it once did, it remains a threat. The virus is still spreading globally and mutating, Paulding County is still seeing an increase of new COVID-19 cases each week.
As the weather turns colder and people spend more time indoors, the risk for COVID19 infection and other respiratory illnesses increases. The combined impact of COVID19, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses such as RSV could be significant this fall and winter.
The Paulding County Health Department encourages residents to take steps now to be prepared for what might be around the corner. Three actions can keep you and your loved ones safe this fall and winter: Prevent. Test. Treat.
Prevent COVID-19 by staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines. If you are not vaccinated, now is the perfect time to start. If you haven’t gotten the updated fall booster, consider scheduling your dose now. You can safely get your COVID-19 booster and annual flu shot during the same visit.
Test at the first sign of symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Make sure you have access to rapid COVID-19 tests so you can quickly take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and to prevent spread to others. Keep a supply of tests on hand in your home or know where you can get tested through a local healthcare provider. Plan now on how to isolate and prevent spread in your home, just in case.
Treat COVID-19 symptoms with effective, lifesaving treatments if you are at higher risk for serious illness because of your age or your medical conditions. Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s important to treat based on your risk factors. Treatments must be given within days of a positive test. This is why it is so important to test immediately so you can access treatments during a short window of time.
Follow these three important steps and plan today to help ensure you and your loved ones have a happy, healthy tomorrow.
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