Do you have COVID-19 symptoms? Have you been exposed to COVID-19? If yes, getting tested is a good idea.

You can buy COVID-19 self-tests at pharmacies and retail stores. These tests are often called antigen tests or rapid tests. They usually produce results in 15-30 minutes. Positive results are accurate and reliable, but a single negative self-test cannot rule out infection.

To be confident you do not have COVID-19, the FDA recommends 2 negative self-tests for people who have COVID-19 symptoms, or 3 self-tests for people without symptoms, performed 48 hours apart.

Read more about COVID-19 testing: COVID-19: Get Tested | Wisconsin Department of Health Services

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have any respiratory virus symptoms, stay at home or away from other people until your symptoms have been improving for 24 hours, and you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication. 

After resuming normal activities, keep taking precautions for the next five days, like:

• Taking steps toward cleaner air
• Wearing a well-fitting mask
• Washing your hands often
• Getting tested for respiratory viruses, and/or
• Keeping distance from others.

It’s important to take more precautions to protect people who are at the most risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. This means adults over 65, young children, people with disabilities, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems.

Monitor for symptoms.

• The following list does not include all possible symptoms.
  • 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
  • Diarrhea

If you develop symptoms, follow the guidance listed in the tab above ("What should I do if I have COVID-19?")

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

• Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID vaccine once per year, preferably in the fall.
• It’s especially important if you’re 65 or older, have never gotten a COVID vaccine, or if you’re at high risk for getting seriously ill if you get COVID. 

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine? 

• For most people who have health insurance, the COVID vaccine should be free at your pharmacy or doctor's office. 
• The Health Department is not offering mass COVID vaccination clinics, but for certain groups of people who are eligible, we're able to offer updated COVID and flu shots at no cost.

Call us at 715-839-4718 to schedule an appointment if you're eligible:

• Adults and children who don't have health insurance
• Adults whose health insurance doesn't cover vaccines
• Children who are on Medicaid or are eligible for Medicaid
• Children who are American Indian or Alaskan Native

Read more about COVID-19 vaccines: 

• COVID-19 Vaccine Info from WI Department of Health Services
• Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center
• Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Center

The FDA has authorized or approved several antiviral medications used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who have a higher risk of getting very sick.

Don't delay! Treatment must be started within 5-7 days of when your symptoms first start. 

People at high risk for getting seriously sick:

• Older adults (especially those ages 65 years or older, with risk increasing with advancing age)
• People who are unvaccinated or are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations
• People with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system. Read more by clicking here.

Read more about COVID-19 treatment: Types of COVID-19 Treatment | COVID-19 | CDC

For information about COVID-19 and schools, visit COVID-19: K-12 Schools and Early Care and Education (ECE) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services. 

For more general information about COVID-19, visit:

• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) | COVID-19 | CDC
• COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease) | Wisconsin Department of Health Services