New Omicron Specific COVID Boosters Are Here: We just received our shipment of updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters. This updated booster is recommended for people age 12 and older who completed their primary series or received their last booster shot at least 2 months ago. To make an appointment for the updated booster at the Union County Health Department, please call (937) 645-2058. Vaccination in our nursing clinic is by appointment only. According to the CDC vaccine finder website, Walgreens & Costco within Union County are also providing the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster. Please contact these locations for details.
QUICK FACT: Can I get my COVID booster at the same time as my flu shot? YES!
Test to Treat Locations: There are medical treatment options available for people with COVID-19 who are at higher risk for severe illness from a COVID infection. If you start to develop symptoms of COVID-19, please test or call your healthcare provider right away. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications that can help reduce the risk of severe illness. Many of these medications needed to be taken within the first several days after symptoms develop so please don’t hesitate. Through the federal COVID Test to Treat program, CVS & Kroger pharmacies in Marysville may also be a good resource. These Test to Treat locations do COVID-19 testing and can prescribe and fill prescriptions to help people with COVID who are at higher risk for severe illness. Please contact these locations for details.
Community COVID Level Moves to High: The CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level for Union County, Ohio rose to high after about a week in the medium level. At this level of COVID activity, the CDC recommends making sure you are up-to-date on COVID vaccinations, get tested if you have symptoms, and wear a mask indoors in public. Additional precautions may be needed if you are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID-19 Community Level is based upon the rate of newly reported COVID-19 cases, the rate of COVID-19 hospital admissions, and COVID-19 patient volume impact on hospitals within our region.
REMINDER: What to do if you have COVID or are exposed to someone with COVID
On Aug. 11, the CDC issued new guidance regarding what to do if you have COVID and what to do if you are exposed to COVID. The current CDC guidance recommends people who are positive for COVID should stay home at least 5 days and wear a mask for 10 days. People who have moderate (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath) or severe illness (require hospital care) or who are immunocompromised may need to stay home longer. People who are exposed to someone with COVID do not need to quarantine at home, but should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and should test if they develop symptoms or on day 6 after exposure if they do not develop symptoms. The current CDC guidance is as follows:
- Positive for COVID – If you test positive for COVID, stay home at least 5 days. Don’t return to public activities until at least 5 days have passed since your symptoms started. If you have mild illness, your symptoms are improving, and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of a fever reducing medicine, you can resume public activities after 5 days but should wear a mask until 10 days have passed since your symptoms began. You should avoid contact with any loved ones who are at greater risk for severe illness and should avoid high-risk settings like nursing homes for a full 10 days.
If you prefer, you can use a test-based strategy to end masking. If you get two sequential negative home tests 48 hours apart, you may remove your mask sooner than day 10. However, if your antigen test results are positive, you may still be infectious. You should continue wearing a mask and wait at least 48 hours before taking another test. Continue taking antigen tests at least 48 hours apart until you have two sequential negative results. This may mean you need to continue wearing a mask and testing beyond day 10.
If you have significant shortness of breath or difficulty breathing during your illness, you should stay home for 10 days from when symptoms started. If you are immunocompromised, you should stay home for 10 days from when symptoms started. If you are severely ill and require hospital care, talk to your doctor or hospital about when you can end isolation.
- Exposed to COVID – If you are exposed to COVID you should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and monitor for symptoms. If you do not develop symptoms, test on day 6 after exposure. If you do develop symptoms, stay home and test. If you test positive, follow isolation guidance.
NOTE: Masks are not recommended for children under ages 2 years and younger, or for people with some disabilities. Other prevention actions (such as improving ventilation) should be used to avoid transmission during these 10 days.