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Covid-19 Update

Lake County Public Health, September 2024

While the COVID-19 variants change, overall guidance to protect ourselves and others remains stable. We can reduce severe illness by getting vaccinated, washing our hands frequently, increasing air flow indoors or meeting others outside, getting prompt treatment from a health care provider and staying home when sick.

A few new things are in the works for fall of 2024.

FREE Tests
At the end of September 2024, U.S. households can order 4 free COVID-19 tests at COVIDTests.gov. 

Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the new 2024-25 COVID -19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. If you have questions, please talk with your provider. Vaccines should be available from your provider or pharmacy. Health insurance should cover the cost. If you don’t have insurance, you can explore whether you’re eligible for financial help through mnsure.org, Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace.

According to MDH’s last report on June 20, 2024, only 9.7% of Lake County residents are up-to-date on COVID vaccines. The majority are ages 50-64. Yet, adults ages 65 and older are at the highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.  

What to do if you have COVID-19?
According to an article from Mayo Clinic, many people with COVID-19 get better with rest, fluids and treatment for their symptoms. A person at high risk of serious COVID-19 illness may be offered medicine to prevent mild illness from getting worse. Talk to your health care provider as soon as symptoms start if you are in a high-risk group: age 65 and older, babies younger than 6 months, and people with certain medical conditions that include blood disorders and chronic diseases.

Protecting others if you have COVID-19
You should stay home and away from others until your symptoms begin improving and you are also fever free, without medications, for 24 hours.  You should then take added precautions like wearing a mask, distancing yourself and practicing extremely good hand washing for another five days and always cover your cough. Preventative measures for COVID also apply to the flu and other respiratory illness.