The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the number of COVID-19 infections is rising or is likely to rise in 27 states, including Illinois. The percentage of people reporting positive COVID tests has risen in the United States from 3.1 in May to its current level of 18. Illinois reported an 18.2 test positivity rate, which is just above the national average.
COVID in Illinois: COVID-19 cases are on the rise. Here's what to know about the latest variants
The new highly transmissible Omicron sub-variants driving the current surge in cases seem to have raised some questions and concerns about the development and efficacy of updated vaccines and tests. Here is some information on at-home tests, what vaccines are available, and where to get them.
The CDC has recommended that everyone 6 months or older should receive an updated 2024–2025 Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines more closely target Omicron sub-variants that are responsible for most current infections in the United States. The FDA suggests those considering getting a vaccine should first consult their healthcare provider.
COVID test : Free kits by mail 2024
The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced U.S. households will be eligible for four free COVID-19 test by mail online at COVIDTests.gov beginning in late September. Ordering free tests through the website is currently closed, but individuals can obtain free or low-cost COVID tests at Health Resources and Services Administration-funded health centers and Increasing Community Access to Testing locations. More information is available at hhs.gov .
Do COVID tests expire?
Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration typically authorizes a shelf life of four to six months for at-home COVID tests.
Updated COVID-19 vaccinations are now available by appointment at CVS stores nationwide . CVS locations in the Peoria area are:
- 200 N. Main Street, East Peoria
- 480 W. Washington Street, East Peoria
- 5001 N. Big Hollow Road, Peoria
- 1200 W. Main Street, Peoria
- 4800 N. University Street, Peoria
Walgreens locations nationwide are offering updated COVID vaccinations by appointment. Peoria-area Walgreens stores are:
- 300 N. Main Street, East Peoria
- 1400 W. Broadway Street, Pekin
- 2020 Court Street, Pekin
- 221 N.E. Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria
- 2515 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria
- 10613 N. Knoxville Avenue, Peoria
- 1919 W. Pioneer Parkway, Peoria
- 4814 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria
- 3524 N. University Street, Peoria
- 1200 E. War Memorial Drive, Peoria
- 2324 W. War Memorial Drive, Peoria
- 1011 Peoria Street, Washington
- 221 N. Western Avenue, West Peoria
Hy-Vee COVID vaccine
Hy-Vee announced this week it has COVID-19 and flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season. COVID vaccines are available to those 12 years or older. Peoria-area Hy-Vee locations are:
- 4125 N Sheridan Road, Peoria
- 7610 N Orange Prairie Road, Peoria
COVID symptoms
The CDC outlines the basic symptoms of COVID-19 on its website. These symptoms can appear between two to 14 days after exposure. These are some of the symptoms of COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
The CDC said you should seek medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: COVID-19 tests and vaccines: How to protect yourself as cases rise
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