COVID-19

About COVID-19

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.

Protect Yourself from COVID-19

You can protect yourself from COVID-19 via:

  • Get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.
    • Call your pharmacy or clinic to find out when the vaccine will be available. 
  • When COVID activity is high, wear a well-fitted mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
  • Choose open, well-ventilated spaces over closed ones. Open a window if indoors.
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • If you feel unwell, test for COVID, stay home and self-isolate
    • Free COVID-19 tests are available at GCHD'S office. 
    • Some COVID-19 tests are still good beyond their expiration date. Learn more about expired tests.

If you Test Positive for COVID-19 

Respiratory Illness Guidance 

Learn what to do when you are sick with COVID-19 or another respiratory virus. 

COVID-19 Treatment 

If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk of severe illness, contact your doctor right away to discuss COVID-19 treatment. 

Prescription medicines are available to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults who are at high risk for severe disease, including hospitalization or death. It is very important that treatment starts as soon as possible to prevent serious complications from COVID-19. If your doctor prescribes antivirals, finish the entire prescription.

COVID-19 Vaccine

(Updated September 5, 2025) Everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, should stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

Vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, flu and RSV.


Find more detailed guidance for specific groups:

COVID-19 Symptoms

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. Find emergency warning signs.