COVID in 2023 - Things to Know
It's been so nice to be out & about that it's easy to forget the difficulties caused by the COVID pandemic a few years ago.
Germs are still with us (of course), and the SARS virus continues to change and be a threat to our health. Simply washing your hands often for about 25 seconds will help protect you (or using a hand sanitzer). Next blog: 6 popular choruses you can sing/hum while you wash!
A few facts about COVID from the CDC are below, along with a handout that will help you create your own COVID plan. Remember: it's not only about our health, but about the health of those around us.
What Is COVID?
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.
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease.
Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Some people including those with minor or no symptoms will develop Post-COVID Conditions – also called “Long COVID.”
What Should I Do If I'm Exposed?
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19, you may have been infected with the virus. Follow CDC’s recommendations for what to do if you were exposed. This includes wearing a high-quality mask when indoors around others (including inside your home) for 10 days, testing, and monitoring yourself for symptoms.
What Should I Do If I Have Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19?
If you have COVID-19, you can spread it to others, even if you do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, get tested and stay home until you have your results. If you have tested positive (even without symptoms), follow CDC’s isolation recommendations. These recommendations include staying home and away from others for at least 5 days (possibly more, depending on how the virus affects you) and wearing a high-quality mask when indoors around others for a period of time.
