The holiday season is coming to an end, and while many people enjoyed their time gathered with their families, the increased exposure to people can lead to more sickness. In today’s times, being or feeling sick can be scary and stressful, especially with COVID-19 numbers on a rise. Worcester county alone has an average of 1,179 new cases per day as of December 31, 2021. (Source:https://www.nytimes.com/interactive /2021/us/massachusetts-covid-cases.html) If you have symptoms that could be COVID-19 and they persist, you should contact your doctor and/or take a self-test. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/self-testing.html) In the event that you test positive, the CDC recommends isolating for five days or until symptoms cease and wearing a well-fitting mask for five days after this quarantine period. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html)

Although COVID-19 is spreading, if you feel sick it does not mean you have COVID-19. While testing is important for keeping yourself and others safe and healthy, if you test negative, you may have another illness. Be sure to monitor your symptoms and contact a doctor if they continue to worsen or do not go away. Wearing a mask may still be a good idea, even if you do not have COVID-19 to continue to protect others from the illness that you have and yourself from infection and further illness. Once you are once again healthy, be sure to continue to mask and social distance in order to keep yourself healthy.

If you are struggling to keep on your heat during the cold weather, go to www.reascharlton.org for resources. Staying warm is an important part of staying healthy.

Written by Rileigh Zacek