FAQ

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Coronavirus Disease 2019, or COVID-19, is the disease caused by the respiratory virus SARS-CoV-2.

The virus spreads mainly from person to person, when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

It may also be possible for a person to be infected with COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes.

People diagnosed with COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory illness 2 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include:

• 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

There are steps you can take to protect yourself and others from being infected with COVID-19, including receiving a safe and effective vaccine. Vaccines for COVID-19 are available to everyone 5 years of age and over.

Yes. Although antibodies might provide some immunity to reinfection of the COVID-19 virus, there's currently not enough evidence to know how long these antibodies last. Studies on COVID-19 antibodies are ongoing to learn more about immunity.

Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting sick with COVID-19. 

You can also reduce your risk of getting COVID-19 by:

• Wearing a face covering in public settings and when around people who don't live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
• Practicing social distancing, keeping 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don't live in your household.  Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place. When soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you may have received a false negative result.  You should isolate away from others and contact your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially if they worsen, about follow-up testing.

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but you are not fully vaccinated and were exposed to a person with COVID-19, you may still become sick.  Self-quarantine at home for 14 days after your exposure and monitor for symptoms.  

More information about quarantine and isolation can be found by clicking here. 

​For more information on COVID-19 Vaccines click here.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you may have received a false negative result.  You should isolate away from others and contact your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially if they worsen, about follow-up testing.

If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, but you are not fully vaccinated and were exposed to a person with COVID-19, you may still become sick.  Self-quarantine at home for 14 days after your exposure and monitor for symptoms.  

​Testing is very important to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

A rapid test is a type of viral test that can tell you if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Rapid tests (also called Antigen tests) use lab-made antibodies to search for antigens from the virus in samples that come from your nose or mouth and can be performed in minutes.

Rapid testing is available through many pharmacies and health care providers. Self-tests (also referred to as home tests or over the counter (OTC) tests) are rapid tests that can be taken at home, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. Self-tests may be used if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed or potentially exposed to an individual with COVID-19. Even if you don't have symptoms and have not been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, using a self-test before gathering indoors with others can give you information about the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household, especially before gathering with unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or individuals at risk of severe disease.

Read the manufacturer's instructions before using the test, follow the instructions exactly, and perform the steps in the order that they are listed. A positive self-test result means that the test detected the virus and you very likely have an infection, and should stay home and away from others for 5 days and until your symptoms are resolving and you are fever free, and wear a mask around others for an additional 5 days.  A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have an infection.  You may repeat the test within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, to rule out infection more confidently.

You can follow these five action steps to help someone who may be having thoughts of suicide:

1. Ask directly if they are thinking of suicide. “Are you thinking about suicide?” “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Studies show that asking directly about suicide does not put the idea in someone’s head.
2. Be there for them whether it’s being physically present with them or listening over the phone.
3. Keep them safe. It’s important to establish immediate safety. Ensure they hadn’t taken steps to end their life before talking to you. Ask if they have a weapon they had planned to use in order to find a way to safely disable their plan.
4. Help them connect with resources that can help increase their safety. If you need crisis counseling, call or text Common Ground’s 24-hour helpline at 1-800-231-1127.
5. Follow up. Be sure to contact them after your initial conversation, and after you’ve connected them to resources. Continue to offer support on an ongoing basis, if possible. Give them local and national crisis line information.