5 Things San Diego County Health Department Wants You To Know About COVID-19
COVID-19 has become the biggest health crisis of our time, and it has affected millions of people worldwide. San Diego County Health Department has been working diligently to provide information and resources to the public to help them stay safe during the pandemic. Here are five things that San Diego County Health Department wants you to know about COVID-19.
1. COVID-19 Symptoms
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms include fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate until you get your test results. If your test is positive, follow the instructions of your healthcare provider and the San Diego County Health Department.
2. How COVID-19 Spreads
COVID-19 can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can land on objects or surfaces, which can then be touched by other people, who can become infected if they touch their face afterward.
You can also get COVID-19 by inhaling respiratory droplets from an infected person, especially if you are in close contact with that person for a prolonged period, typically more than 15 minutes.
3. How to Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
There are several ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. These include:
– Wear a mask in public settings, especially when social distancing is difficult.
– Practice social distancing by maintaining at least 6 feet of distance from others.
– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
– Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
– Stay home if you are feeling sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
4. COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 testing is widely available in San Diego County. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should get tested as soon as possible.
You can get tested at a variety of locations, including hospitals, clinics, and community testing sites. You can also order an at-home test kit from some pharmacies and testing companies.
5. Vaccines
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Several vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA, including the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The San Diego County Health Department is working with healthcare providers to distribute vaccines to residents as quickly as possible. Everyone who is eligible should get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Conclusion
COVID-19 is a serious threat to public health, but with the proper precautions, we can reduce the spread of the virus and protect ourselves and our communities. By following the guidelines set forth by the San Diego County Health Department, we can all do our part to stay safe during the pandemic. Remember, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently, get tested if you have symptoms, and get vaccinated when you are eligible. Together, we can combat COVID-19 and emerge stronger than ever.