Information for Health Care Consumers

Simple public health measures can help stop the spread of COVID 19. We’re in this together, but we all need to do our part for our personal protection and the protection of those around us, especially those at high risk for severe disease. Simple actions will make a tremendous difference in the number of cases and deaths resulting from COVID-19. Below are a few tips to follow and share with your family and friends to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

• Get vaccinated, and get a booster if medically eligible.
• Continue to wear your mask in areas with a high Covid-19 Community Level. If you are wearing a mask, experts recommend you upgrade your mask to a high filtration respirator if you want optimal protection. 
• Stay home when sick, and remember to test soon and treat early! If you test positive for COVID-19 and have one or more health conditions that increase your risk of becoming very sick, treatment may be available. 
• Depending on where you live, there may be a COVID-19 Test-To-Treat location near you.
• Contact a health professional right away after a positive test to determine if you may be eligible, even if your symptoms are mild right now. Don’t delay, treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.
• Follow the CDC Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 guidance if you have COVID-19, or are feeling ill and awaiting COVID-19 test results.
• If you suspect you have been exposed to COVID-19, follow the CDC What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19 guidance.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick. 
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and upon returning home.
• Maintain your physical health, mental health, and overall wellness. Follow a healthy diet, get adequate rest, and minimize stress to strengthen your immune system.
• If you have a chronic illness, make sure you are working with your clinician to follow medication regimes for the maintenance and control of your condition and discuss your risks for COVID-19.
• Get your flu shot.
• Increase ventilation in your home and workplace, and spend more time outdoors.
• Find additional information on the CDC How to Protect Yourself and Others webpage, and Your COVID-19 Toolkit – find information on masks, treatments, vaccines, and testing in your community.

To learn more, and to download information to share within your community, visit:

•     What to do if you are sick
  
  
•     How to manage your symptoms at home
  
  
•     Help Protect Yourself and Others
  
  
•     Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 poster
  
  
•     Guidance for Consumers Who Want to Help

How to help those on the frontlines: www.thanknurses.org.

Information on volunteer and donation opportunities are also available through the 100 Million Mask Challenge