COVID-19: The Latest Information and Recommendations From the CDC and WHO
Written by Tatiana Phillips on August 1, 2022
COVID-19: The Latest Information and Recommendations From the CDC and WHO
You may be tired of hearing about COVID-19, but that indicates that it’s still a big issue. However, the information you’re hearing is different because at-home testing kits are readily available. Many COVID cases aren’t reported as frequently as they were at the pandemic’s beginning. As of July 15, 2022, the CDC’s website indicated that Florida cases were up by 21.2% from the previous week. Additionally, only 72% of Florida’s population is currently vaccinated. Out of all Florida counties, Highlands County has a positivity rate for infections of 24.6% from the previous week!
While the number of positive cases may not seem like a lot, they are higher than anyone would like. Therefore, the CDC recommends that anyone over 6 months old receive COVID-19 vaccinations. If you have not done so, you may check the Highlands County Health Department for vaccination locations, FAQs, and testing sites.
Recap of COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 may present as the common cold for some people; for others, it may feel like the flu. To be sure whether you need some cold meds and soup or to pick up medication for COVID, check with your doctor after taking a COVID-19 at-home test. If you cannot take a test at home, check with your health department for a list of testing sites.
Some of the most common COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Seek emergency services if you exhibit the following signs:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
Because this terrible virus is highly contagious, it’s essential to follow the protocols in place if and when you test positive for COVID-19. Those unable to receive a vaccine or are immunocompromised may not have the total capacity to protect themselves from the virus. That is why it’s essential to do your part in keeping yourself and others safe.
What To Do If You’re Sick
No one wants to be sick. But if you feel ill, the CDC provides recommendations as to what to do.
Day 1: Isolate. Stay at home for at least 5 days.*
To keep others safe in your home, wear a mask, stay in a separate room and use a separate bathroom if you can.
Do not travel for 10 days.
If you can’t wear a mask, stay home and away from other people for 10 days.
To calculate the recommended time frames, day 0 is the day you were tested if you don’t have symptoms or the date your symptoms started.
Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your test results and available treatment options. Watch for symptoms, especially fever. If you have an emergency warning sign, such as trouble breathing or persistent chest pain or pressure, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Day 6: Do a self-check. How are you feeling?
You could lose taste or smell for weeks or months after you feel better. These symptoms should not delay the end of isolation.
No symptoms or symptoms are improving.
No fever without fever-reducing medication for 24 hours: You can leave isolation. Keep wearing a mask around other people at home and in public for 5 more days (days 6-10).
Symptoms not improving and/or still have a fever: Continue to stay home until 24 hours after your fever stops without using a fever-reducing medication and your symptoms have improved.
After you feel completely better, keep wearing a mask around other people at home and in public through day 10.
Ways to Stay Safe From COVID-19
Let’s say that you are feeling perfectly healthy and, to your knowledge, have not been exposed to COVID-19. How do you remain safe? There are several ways to stay safe from COVID-19, including:
- Wear a mask in public places
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Keep a safe distance from others
- Open your windows when you are able
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow
- Get vaccinated
One of the most effective ways to stay safe from COVID-19 is to complete a series of vaccinations. If you are on the fence about whether or not you should be vaccinated, check out the Myths and Facts the CDC provides!
Hopefully, by now you have a good understanding of what the symptoms look like, what you can do when you start to notice them, and how to keep protected from COVID-19. However, if you are still unsure of what to do or who to turn to, always check with your local physician or health department for the latest information. Let’s have a safe and healthy school year for 2022-2023!
