It is up to us all to protect ourselves and others by following recommendations to prevent illness. No single action on its own can completely prevent you and others from getting sick, so it is best to do multiple things to protect yourself when and where you can. Illness rates can be checked on the Minnesota Department of Health's "
Situation Update for COVID-19."
Get vaccinated and stay up to date to have the best protection. Attendees are encouraged to be vaccinated and boosted. For more information on what staying up to date means for you, visit the CDC's "Vaccines and Other Immunizing Agents in the Adult Immunization Schedule*"
Sick, recovering, or exposed to RSV, influenza and/or COVID-19. If you feel sick, stay home and away from others until 24 hours after both the following have happened:
- You are fever-free (without fever-reducing medications), and
- Your symptoms are getting better
Then layer on added prevention strategies (such as masks, distancing, and tests) for the next 5 days. Talk to your doctor right away about medications that can help you recover faster, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
For detailed guidance and timelines showing how long to stay home based on symptoms, visit the CDC's "Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick" and the MDH's "COVID-19: Protect Yourself & Others."
Get tested. It is especially important to get tested if you have symptoms or were in close contact with someone who had respiratory illnesses.
Masking. Learn more about recommendations for when to wear a mask and about the types of masks for better protection from MDH's "
Masks: COVID-19."
Wash your hands. Learn more at CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands.
Please contact Care Providers of Minnesota with questions.