Wednesday, June 1, 2022

COVID-19 Reinfections

Studies suggest that reinfection with COVID-19 with the same virus variant as the initial infection or reinfection with a different variant are both possible and that early reinfection within 90 days of the initial infection can occur.

Symptoms during reinfection are likely to be less severe than during the initial infection, but some people can experience more severe COVID-19 during reinfection. Both previous infection and vaccination have been shown to provide some protection against infection, although risk of reinfection varies by circulating variant. 

Although rates of reinfection might change as new variants emerge, vaccination remains the safest strategy for preventing future COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, long-term complications, and death. Staying up to date on primary vaccination, additional doses, and booster doses is recommended for all eligible persons. 

Do You Need a COVID-19 Test?

Review the questions below to determine when to get tested. If you have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days and recovered, you do not need to be tested unless you develop new symptoms.

Do you have COVID-19 symptoms?
Get tested immediately.

Have you had close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19?
Get tested at least 5 days after exposure.

Are you traveling?
Learn more about testing for travel by visiting Travel | CDC

Are you planning to attend an upcoming event or gathering?
Reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 by getting tested as close to the event date as possible.

Where can I get a test?
Visit www.dubuquecounty.org/covidtesting for the latest local information on testing.

Many pharmacies and community centers provide access to free COVID-19 tests. Visit Community-Based Testing Centers or the Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) website to find testing locations in your area.

Self-tests
Order free tests at COVIDtests.gov. Free tests are also available through local health departments.

Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores. Private health insurance may reimburse the cost of purchasing self-tests. Visit FDA’s website for a list of authorized tests.

139* New Cases Reported Since May 25

NEW POSITIVES 

https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Reporting

• 139* new positive cases reported since May 25. 
• Total positive cases/individuals reported to date = 26,718

HOSPITALIZATIONS 

• 9 County Hospitalizations:  Today, MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center has 6 inpatients with COVID-19 and UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital has 3 inpatients hospitalized with COVID for a total of 9 persons hospitalized with COVID in Dubuque County.

COMMUNITY LEVEL

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
  
  
• Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible
  
  
• Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19
  
  
• If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease:
  - Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
  - Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies

COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION LEVEL

The CDC's Community Transmission Level is based on the number of new cases per 100,000 population and is used by local healthcare facilities to determine internal protocol and procedures. 

DEATHS   

• No new deaths reported since May 25.
• Total deaths related to COVID to date = 298

Please do not reply to this message.  If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call 563.556.6200.