11/16/2022
Author: Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, Campus Public Health Officer
In the coming weeks and months, many of us will travel, gather with people, visit friends and relatives, and go out to shop even more. COVID-19 is still among us, as are influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Before you travel, gather, visit, and shop, please take a moment to think about what you can do to prepare to protect yourself and the people around you.
What should I do if I’m going to travel?
- See the CDC recommendations on travel. If you’re traveling in the U.S., view this state-by-state guide to COVID-19 infection levels, or one at the county level.
- Get a flu shot as soon as possible. Available at clinics and pharmacies statewide, and in the Twin Cities through Boynton Health.
- Ensure your COVID-19 vaccines are current, including the new bivalent booster. Vaccines are available at clinics and pharmacies statewide, and in the Twin Cities through Boynton Health.
- Wash your hands thoroughly or use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you are at high risk of complications, wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask indoors around others.
What should I do if I feel sick?
- Stay home.
- Get tested. Tests and treatments are available for COVID-19, flu, and RSV at clinics and hospitals. For COVID-19 testing in the Twin Cities through Boynton Health, see MTest.
- If positive, follow CDC isolation guidelines and see your healthcare provider for treatment.
- Wear a high-quality, well-fitted mask indoors around others.
How do I know whether I have (or someone else has) COVID-19, the flu, RSV, or just a cold?
- These are all respiratory infections caused by viruses and sometimes difficult to tell apart. Tests are available to determine the type of virus.
- Cold (rhinovirus) symptoms
- Flu (influenza) symptoms (Not viral gastroenteritis or “stomach flu.”)
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) symptoms and how it spreads. Some children and older adults are at high risk of serious complications.
- COVID-19 symptoms
- CDC guide comparing cold vs. flu
- Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles guide comparing these four viruses
Anything else I should know?
- Last week Johns Hopkins University published an article outlining the complexities of COVID-19 variants.
- Past CPHO messages with information and links are available for your reference.