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COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It spreads easily through the air and mucus droplets from someone’s nose or mouth. It is very contagious.
It most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, a flu, or pneumonia. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill and can die.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Vaccines are the best way to prevent getting very sick, going to the hospital or even dying from COVID-19. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. A booster shot is an additional shot recommended for most people who have already been vaccinated to make the vaccine more effective over time.
COVID-19 Testing
Get tested if
- You have symptoms of COVID-19
- You were a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
Take a home test, ask your doctor, or find a community testing site.
If you have been around someone with COVID-19
If you have been in close contact (15 minutes or more, with or without a mask) with someone who has COVID-19 you should
- Watch yourself for symptoms for 10 days and wear a mask around others.
- Test 5 days after you were together or if you develop symptoms. If you take a home test, and get a negative result, consider taking another test 1-2 days later.
- Limit your in-person contact with or wear a mask around people who are at greater risk for 10 days.
If you feel sick
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, assume you are contagious.
- Stay home and away from others
- Take a COVID-19 test
- Tell people you were around that you that you got sick
- Take care of yourself and learn about treatment options
More about what to do if you have COVID-19
Treatment
There are medicines that can make a COVID-19 illness less severe when started early. Talk to your provider early in your illness if you have risk for severe disease.
COVID-19 Treatments and Medications | CDC
Prevent the spread of COVID-19
To lower your own risk of getting COVID-19 and increase protection for those who are more vulnerable:
- Stay home when sick
- Get vaccinated
- Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Avoid touching your face
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
Coping with respiratory illnesses like COVID-19
Getting care for you and your family
If you don't have a doctor, call 211. Interpreters are available. You can also call Multnomah County Primary Care Health Centers 503-988-5558 to enroll as a patient.
Masks
Masks are always welcome as a way to reduce risk for yourself and the community. They are an important tool for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
We recommend wearing masks indoors if you are around others and you are
- At high risk
- Sick or tested positive and can’t stay home
- Or if you have recently been exposed to COVID.
Employers and businesses may have their own mask requirements.
At times of high COVID spread, Multnomah County Public Health may recommend everyone wearing a mask indoors until disease activity quiets down.
