COVID-19 is an illness that usually causes respiratory symptoms like a cold, flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 can affect other parts of your body as well. Most people who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can get very sick.
You may be at higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 if you are older, have a weakened immune system, or have certain disabilities or health conditions
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19:
- Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines
- Wash your hands and clean surfaces often.
- Make your air cleaner by bringing in outside air or filtering indoor air.
Vaccines
- Right now, Marylanders 6 months and older should have access to a COVID vaccine if they want one. A 2024 Maryland law allows pharmacists to administer flu and COVID vaccines without a prescription to anyone 3 years and older. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Health has issued a statewide COVID-19 vaccination standing order to help ensure access.
- Maryland’s clinical vaccine guidance for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season is based on an assessment of population risks, a review of scientific literature and consultation with medical associations. The guidance aligns with updated guidance released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
- COVID-19 vaccines continue to be a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness due to COVID-19. The vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. The safety of these vaccines have been well-studied in clinical trials and continue to be monitored through post-marketing surveillance systems.
- After the COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. The most common reported side effects include
- soreness at the injection site
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle aches
- joint aches
- fever
- and nausea.
- If you do have any of these, they should go away in a few days. Talk with your doctor or healthcare provider for more information.
To find COVID-19 vaccine clinic locations near you, search vaccines.gov.
Testing
If you are sick, test for COVID-19.
- You can purchase COVID tests at pharmacies. Check with your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost.
- Or ask your healthcare provider about testing.
- Learn more about COVID testing.
If you test positive for COVID-19:
- Take steps to prevent the spread of illness.
- Stay home and away from others.
- Wait until your symptoms are improving and you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours before going back to your activities.
- Take added steps like masking and hand washing for the next 5 days. This is especially important when you are with people who are at higher risk.
- Talk to a healthcare provider about treatment if you are at higher risk for severe illness.
- Treatment for COVID-19 must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- It must be started within 5-7 days after your symptoms started.
- If you have emergency warning signs, seek emergency care immediately.
If you test negative for COVID-19:
- Take steps to prevent the spread of illness.
- Test again in 2-3 days to reduce the risk of a “false negative” test.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your results.
For general information on self-testing, visit the Washington County Health Department’s YouTube page for a helpful video.
Data
CDC’s COVID-19 Data Tracker, 2025
CDC’s Respiratory Illnesses Data Channel, 2025
Maryland Dept. of Health COVID-19 Data, 2025
Other Resources
- We’ve learned a great deal about COVID-19
- Get the Recommended COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy En español
- MDH FAQs about COVID-19
- MDH Information for Parents and Guardians
- CDC COVID-19 information
- World Health Organization COVID-19 Information
- Commentary: Do not let anyone convince you of a one word answer to the question: Do masks work? It depends.
- Commentary: Dispelling myths about mRNA vaccines
