The pandemic may be over, but the infectious disease that caused it is still alive and well.
Ohio is one of 31 states with very high COVID-19 activity, according to wastewater data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials monitor wastewater to detect the levels of infectious disease circulating in a community.
In Cincinnati, weekly cases reached 285 cases in mid-August , according to data from the Cincinnati Health Department, just under January's weekly high of 289 cases.
As we head into the fall, here are the most up-to-date public health guidelines on masking and handling a positive case – and what symptoms to watch for.
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What are the first symptoms of COVID?
COVID symptoms may feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. They include:
- Fever or chills.
- Cough.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Sore throat.
- Congestion or runny nose.
- New loss of taste or smell.
- Fatigue.
- Muscle or body aches.
- Headache.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Resting when your body experiences these symptoms will help you recover.
When should I go to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19?
Most people who get infected with COVID can recover from the illness on their own at home. However, if you're having trouble breathing, you should go to the hospital immediately.
Should I wear a mask after having COVID?
While it's not required, wearing a mask is a prevention strategy that helps protect you and others from viral illness, especially if you've been exposed or are recovering from the illness.
Generally, cloth masks provide lower levels of protection, while surgical masks provide more, and N95 masks offer the most effective protection.
The CDC says that the most effective option is the most protective mask that you can comfortably wear for long periods of time and that completely covers your nose and mouth.
Washing your hands properly and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze can also help stop the spread.
How long does COVID stay contagious?
In February, the CDC dropped its five-day isolation guidance for those who test positive with COVID-19. Now, you can proceed with your usual activities when, for at least 24 hours, both things are true:
- Your symptoms are improving overall.
- You haven't had a fever (and aren't relying on fever-reducing medication).
When should I stay home if I have COVID?
If you're exhibiting symptoms, you should stay home from work and/or school , according to CDC guidelines. This helps protect the people in your life from COVID, which can be life-threatening for some.
Try to stay home and avoid seeing others until you notice no fever and your symptoms getting better for at least 24 hours.
Following the 24 hours, you can go back to work, or school, and see your friends. But the CDC advises that you continue taking precautions for the next five days. Since you may still be able to spread the virus, mask up and practice physical distancing when you'll be around other people indoors.
What about the new COVID vaccine?
The FDA has approved new COVID-19 vaccines for those 12 years and older, in time for the fall and winter seasons, during which the virus is most prevalent.
See this story for who should get them and details about the new formulae.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: COVID-19: What are the latest symptoms and guidelines for testing, isolation?
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