With COVID-19, we are asking that everyone pay attention to signs of sickness and to take action. We say stay home when you are sick, but what does that actually mean, especially during a pandemic? Don’t ignore mild symptoms. Symptoms of COVID-19 could include cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, or sore throat, but the symptoms can be mild for some people. Because of COVID-19, we ask that people err on the side of caution. Even with mild symptoms, we want people to stay away from others. We have heard quite a few people explain symptoms to be similar to allergies.

Take care of issues that could present like COVID-19. Taking care of other illnesses can help rule out the possibility of COVID. Allergies can present like COVID-19, so if you think you are experiencing allergies we would encourage you to see a medical provider. Influenza can also present like COVID-19 and there is a vaccine that is available to prevent flu. You can still get a flu vaccine.

Get tested if you have symptoms. Anyone with symptoms can get tested. The other issue is that symptoms of COVID-19 can be like other illnesses that affect your breathing or intestines including RSV, rotavirus, rhinovirus, enterovirus, et cetera. Be sure that you do not have COVID-19 by getting tested.

If someone in your household is sick, assume that you have it or will get it, so stay home. Household members are always considered close contacts, so if someone in your household is sick, we would ask that you stay away from other people until every member in your household is feeling better plus a couple of days.

