Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

picture of a virus. text: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

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.

This image outlines core and additional prevention strategies for respiratory viruses. The core strategies include immunizations, hygiene, steps for cleaner air, treatment, and staying home to prevent spread. Additional strategies are wearing masks, social distancing, and testing.
Core Prevention Strategies: Immunizations, hygiene, clean air, treatment, and staying home.
Additional Prevention Strategies: Masks, distancing, and tests.
When to Stay Home: Stay home and away from others for 24 hours after both your symptoms are getting better and you are fever-free without medication.
Layering Prevention: These strategies are especially helpful when respiratory viruses are prevalent, you or others have risk factors, or you have been exposed, are sick, or are recovering.

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.

The image is a chart from the Maryland Department of Health outlining the 2025-2026 respiratory vaccine recommendations for different age groups and conditions.
Infants and Children: Flu vaccine is recommended for all children six months and older. RSV immunization is for infants under 8 months and children 8-19 months with risk factors. COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for children 6-23 months and 2-18 years with risk factors, or by parental request.
During Pregnancy: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended at any point during pregnancy and for lactating individuals. RSV immunization is recommended at 32-36 weeks gestation.
Adults 18-50:
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all adults in this age group.
Adults 50+:
Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for all adults 50 and older.

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

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World Health Organization COVID-19 Information
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