Welcome Back Everyone!
COVID-19’s pandemic status ended in May, but it remains a very contagious virus and cases are on the rise.
Becoming infected with the virus most often results in respiratory symptoms like the common cold, flu or pneumonia. Some
people do become severely ill, however.
Remember and practice the following steps to avoid contraction or transmission of COVID-19:
1.
Wash your hands regularly with warm water and soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2.
Stay up to date on your
COVID-19
vaccines:
-
CDC recommends a booster for anyone who hasn’t had the newest bivalent booster to protect against the newest variants. Click
here for more on current vaccine recommendations.
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Vaccines remain effective at protecting against severe disease, hospitalization and death in all age groups. Review
CDC’s tracker on vaccine effectiveness.
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Learn about common
COVID-19 vaccine misconceptions.
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Vaccines are available at most pharmacies. Use this vaccine
finder to find one that is convenient to you.
3.
Get plenty of fresh air.
When possible, gather in large groups outside rather than inside.
4.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay home, mask up and get tested.
-
Click
here for a list of some common symptoms of COVID-19.
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Faculty and staff may test free at University Health Services (UHS) but will have to pay an access fee if their symptoms or circumstances warrant
a need to be seen by the nurse practitioner. Call 423-425-2266 for an
appointment Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
-
Testing is also available
at local urgent-cares, walk-in clinics or can be purchased over the counter at most pharmacies.
5.
If you have been exposed, wear a mask around others and test if you develop symptoms.
6.
Follow the CDC
isolation guidelines if
you do test positive for COVID-19.
Christine Benz Smith, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC
UC Foundation Professor
Director, School of Nursing
Chief Health Affairs Officer
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue, Department 1051
Chattanooga, TN 37403
(p) 423-425-4665
