COVID-19

Graphic of germs

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It was first identified in December 2019 and quickly spread globally, leading to the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus primarily affects the respiratory system, but it can also cause symptoms and complications in other parts of the body.

text that says COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions

  • COVID-19 spreads mainly through close contact from person to person, primarily via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It can also spread by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching your face.

  • Symptoms of COVID-19 varies from person to person. They can range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms include:

    • Fever or chills

    • Cough

    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

    • Fatigue

    • Muscle or body aches

    • Headache

    • New loss of taste or smell

    • Sore throat

    • Congestion or runny nose

    • Nausea or vomiting

    • Diarrhea

  • If you have been exposed to COVID-19:

    • Monitor Symptoms: Watch for symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

    • Get Tested: Consider getting tested for COVID-19, especially if you develop symptoms.

    For the most up to date information visit: CDC's Preventing Spread of Respiratory Virus When You're Sick

  • If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms:

    If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms:

    • Isolate: Stay home and away from others, including those you live with, especially if you have respiratory symptoms not explained by another cause (e.g., fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, headache).

    • Notify Contacts: Inform close contacts so they can take precautions.

    • End Isolation: Remain at home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms improve and you've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.

    When you resume activities:

    • Take Precautions: For the next 5 days, enhance air quality, maintain hygiene, wear a mask, practice physical distancing, and consider testing before indoor gatherings, especially to protect those at higher risk.

    For the most up-to-date information on isolation guidelines, visit the CDC's Preventing Spread of Respiratory Virus When You're Sick

  • People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations have a lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death compared to those who are unvaccinated or have not completed the recommended doses. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

    *Please note that COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed. For the most up-to-date information, visit the CDC's Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines page.

    • Children aged 6 months–4 years: May need multiple doses to be up to date, including at least one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine.

    • Everyone aged 5 years and older: Should get one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.

    • Moderately or severely immunocompromised individuals: May receive additional doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

    • People aged 65 years and older: Should receive an additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after their previous dose if they’ve already received one dose of any updated COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Novavax).

  • The Highland County Health Department is NOT a Covid-19 testing site. However, we do have at-home test kits, while supplies last located inside the North High Business Suite entrance.

    **Hours of operation and cost of testing differ from place to place. For specific testing questions please call the location of your choice directly.

    Adena Medical System:

    Adena Family Medicine- Greenfield (937)981-9444

    Adena Health Center- Hillsboro (937) 393-9955

    HealthSource of Ohio- Hillsboro (937) 393-5781

    Highland District Hospital:

    Lab (937) 393-6274

    Highland Health Providers:

    Greenfield Medical Services (937) 981-1121

    Highland Family Healthcare (937) 393-4899

    Highland Family Medicine (937) 840-9150

    Lynchburg Medical Center (937) 364-2346

    Rocky Fork Medical Center (937) 402-5491

    Urgent Care:

    Roman Family Healthcare- Greenfield (937)981-2880

    West Main Urgent Care- Hillsboro (937) 393-3300

    Pharmacy Locations:

    Corner Pharmacy- Greenfield (937) 876-3052

    Walgreens- Hillsboro (937) 393-2307

  • The Highland County Health Department currently offers the following COVID-19 vaccines:

    • Moderna

    • Pfizer

    Walk-in clinics for COVID-19 vaccines are held every Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Appointments are also welcome!