Health

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Vaccines

See our vaccines page for information about the how vaccines are being distributed in Pinellas County.

Prevention

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Protect yourself and your community from COVID-19.

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are sick.

Watch for Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

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For more information about the symptoms you should watch out for, please visit the CDC’s Symptoms.

What to do if you are sick

Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick:

  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor
  • Wear a face mask
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
  • Monitor your symptoms

For more information about how you can prevent the spread of COVID-19 if you are sick, please visit the CDC’s Steps When Sick page.

For information about COVID-19 testing in Pinellas County, visit our Testing Info page.

COVID-19 testing

For information about how to obtain a COVID-19 test in Pinellas County, visit our dedicated testing page here.