Pamlico County COVID-19 FAQs
The Centers for Disease Control maintains a Frequently Asked Questions database that is an excellent source for answers. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.We have included below the questions received most often by the CCTF, and we will update the questions and answers as we continue to learn more about the virus.
COVID-19 Symptoms
- What are the symptoms? How do I know if I have it?Common symptoms in adults are cough, shortness of breath, low-grade fever, malaise, muscle aches, fatigue, headache and difficulty thinking. Loss of smell is sometimes a key symptom. Children are more likely to have mild disease, and more likely to have gastrointestinal symptoms than adults. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, and not everyone who has contracted the virus will experience symptoms. Some people seem to get better and then have symptoms recur after weeks or months. About 50% of infected people never develop symptoms (but they can spread the virus to others!) Read more in our CCTF newsletter about this topic.
- Why do some people get so sick and others are asymptomatic?
2.2.2021
Factors that can contribute to variations in symptoms are a person’s age, other medical conditions they may have, the strength of their immune system, and the amount of virus to which they were exposed. But frankly, the experts don’t yet know the full answer to this question.
- What are the emergency signs of COVID that require a doctor urgently?
2.2.2021
Anyone with more serious symptoms should seek medical attention immediately by calling their doctor or 911 right away. More serious symptoms can include trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face.
- How can I tell the difference between flu and COVID symptoms?
2.2.2021
The signs and symptoms of both diseases can range from no symptoms to mild or severe symptoms. Because COVID-19 and the flu have similar symptoms, it can be hard to diagnose which condition you have based on your symptoms alone. Testing may be done to see if you have COVID-19 or the flu. You can also have both diseases at the same time.
Both COVID-19 and the flu can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ failure, heart attacks, heart or brain inflammation, stroke, and death. You should see your doctor if you experience serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face. You can read more in our CCTF newsletter on this topic.
COVID-19 Spread and Prevention
- How does the virus spread? How can I reduce my risk of contracting the virus?
2.2.2021
The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet, or 2 arm lengths) for over 15 minutes, especially in a closed space. It spreads through respiratory droplets or attached to small particles in the air (aerosol spread), produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. It can also be spread by touching an infected surface and then soon touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth).
These droplets or particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs or through contact with your eyes and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads. But hand- to- face transmission is also possible, if you touch an infected surface (where someone with the virus has just coughed), and then you touch your mouth or eyes with your hand.
There is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others. This is especially true with aerosolized virus or virus propelled with the force of a sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise or singing, as they can travel distances beyond 6 feet (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes). Ventilation systems can also spread aerosols and viral particles much greater distances. Indoor environments increase this risk of virus exposure.
The experts encourage us to think about “viral load” or “dosage”. The amount of virus you are exposed to will influence the degree to which you are at risk. And that amount is influenced by the amount of time you are exposed, how close you are to someone with the virus, and how fresh the air is around you.
Read more about the precautions you can take in our newsletter on this topic.
And more about Masks… 2.2.2021 This is a difficult topic and something you need to consider carefully before taking the step to ask or confront a stranger about wearing a mask. The general guidance is to avoid the person not wearing a mask unless the situation is one you cannot avoid and is high risk. If you are in such a situation, do so in a private manner and focus on why wearing a mask is important and not make it personal. The Cleveland Clinic has published a short article on this topic that may help you decide how to best approach the situation and make the right choice for you and your family’s safety: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-politely-ask-someone-to-wear-a-face-mask/ 2.2.2021 You are at increased risk in a grocery store and other indoor environments where masks are not being regularly worn. Taking precautions will help mitigate that increased risk. Ensure that you shop and remain distanced by 6 feet (or more), visit during hours when less people are present, wipe down the cart with disinfectant, do not touch your own eyes, nose or mouth, and only touch items you plan to purchase. Additional things to consider for your safety include: Is the store large with wide aisles; are customers obeying the “one way” signs; is the store a large, modern store with good ventilation, etc. You can also express your concerns to the store manager (politely) and leave. Customer feedback is a powerful tool that merchants care about. The option of curbside pickup or delivery is something you should also consider if the increased risk is something you do not want to take. 2.2.2021 Notify the County Health Department when you see government employees who are not in compliance with the state’s requirement that all North Carolinians wear Face Coverings in public places, both indoors and outdoors. https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO181-Modified-Stay-at-Home-Early-Closure-Order.pdf 2.2.2021 If the Pamlico County Health Department did not inform you through contact tracing of your exposure, you should let them know. Follow their guidance and report your symptoms as requested. The Pamlico County Health Department can be reached at 252-745-5111. You should stay home and monitor your health and observe the following CDC recommendations: 2.2.2021 The terms refer to the same behaviors, but the different terms are used depending on your status as a case (positive for infection) or a close contact of someone who tested positive. Isolation is used to keep those who are infected away from others and lasts a minimum of 10 days. Quarantine keeps someone who might be infected away from others and lasts for 7 days if you receive a negative COVID-19 test, and 10 days if you do not take a test and do not have any symptoms. While in isolation or quarantine you will need to stay away from everyone during this time. Ideally, you need to stay in a bedroom by yourself and use a separate bathroom, if possible. Do not prepare meals for others. You should eat by yourself and ideally prepare your food by yourself. If you do need to be around others in the house, you must wear a mask and wash your hands frequently. If there is not a separate bathroom or other spaces that will need to be shared, those areas need to be disinfected after your use. Do not share any items with anyone else in the house. Do not go anywhere, except to medically indicated appointments. If you must go out, a mask is required at all times covering your mouth and nose. NCDHHS guidelines for quarantine can be found at the following link: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/about-covid-19/testing/quarantine-guidance-general-community 2.2.2021 The CDC does not have specific guidance regarding risk of exposure for a “contact of a contact”. However, given the other person’s increased risk, you should ensure you are following the CDC recommended precautions for the public: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html 2.2.2021 You will need to prepare a separate space where the infected person can isolate from others in the household. Ideally a separate bathroom is also available for their use. Take precautions to ensure you can remain separated from the infected person as much as possible. Remaining 6 feet apart as much as possible is important to reduce the possibility of spread. Increased precautions including wearing a mask in the home, using gloves when handling things such as laundry, and increased frequency of cleaning surfaces will be required to keep household members safe. The infected individual must wear a mask anytime they come out of the room in which they are isolating, such as when going to the bathroom. If you must use shared spaces, make sure the room has good air flow and if possible open the window to increase air circulation. Improving ventilation helps remove respiratory droplets from the air. Simply being prepared is also helpful. Making sure you have adequate supplies for your household, and any specific care items on hand can help you and the infected person focus on getting well, and attending to their needs. The CDC has guidance to help you plan to care for someone that is sick at home at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/care-for-someone.html 2.2.2021 The research on this subject is not conclusive. There is some evidence that an infected person will have some immunity for about 3 months, but that may vary based on the severity of infection and an individual’s immune system and overall health. For now, you should assume that you can be reinfected and continue to practice the 3Ws. 2.2.2021 According to the CDC, you can be around others after: *Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation Most people do not require testing to decide when they can be around others; however, if your healthcare provider recommends testing, they will let you know when you can resume being around others based on your test results. 2.2.2021 An antigen test (frequently referred to as a rapid test) can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes. While the rapid test can get you results very quickly, the results may not always be accurate: rapid tests are considered most accurate in a patient who is having symptoms of COVID-19. There is a high percentage of “false negatives” - meaning the test says you do not have the virus, but in fact, you do! A PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is the most accurate; it detects genetic material that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those who have no symptoms. Turnaround time is longer, generally in the 2-3 day range but results can be in as little as 24 hours. You can read more in our CCTF newsletter about testing. 2.2.2021 Whether to send your child to school during the pandemic is a very personal one, and many factors will impact which decision is right for you and your family. Schools provide important services and support for children’s academic, social-emotional, and physical health. The benefits of in-person learning and services should be weighed against the risks of COVID-19 for your child and your household. The CDC has guidance and tools at the following website to help you decide what is best in your situation: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/decision-tool.html Read more in our CCTF newsletter on this topic. 2.2.2021 First and foremost, if someone in the group is in a high risk group, it is recommended that you seriously consider the importance of gathering vs. the risk of COVID. If you do decide to get together with others not in your household, be sure to follow the 3 W’s and the 3C’s. Wear a mask, Wait 6 feet apart, and Wash your hands frequently. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close contact settings. Things which can help reduce the risk include getting together outside, keeping the gathering as small as possible, wearing masks, arranging people from different households 6 feet apart, staying 6 feet apart while eating and drinking, and avoiding self-serve food. Bring your own food and utensils. The NC Department of Health & Human Services has guidance for get-togethers here: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/information/individuals-families-and-communities/guidelines-get-togethers 2.2.2021 Things have certainly not been normal throughout 2020, and that is likely to continue for some time in 2021. Until the spread of COVID-19 significantly decreases, state and federal guidance for gatherings will continue to recommend limiting the size of gatherings and taking safety precautions as noted in the above FAQ for family gatherings. What may finally become the “new normal” will likely require a significant portion of the population to be vaccinated or have natural immunity through prior infection. The timeline for what is called “herd immunity” where 75% or more of the population is immune depends on several factors, including wide availability of the vaccine, and willingness of people to take the vaccine. Current estimates by top healthcare officials indicate that we may reach herd immunity by late summer or early fall and see a return to partially normal activity towards the end of the year. Read more in our CCTF newsletter about this topic. 2.2.2021 Multiple studies have shown that coronavirus transmission happens easily when you have one or more of these situations: PROLONGED (more than 15 min) CONTACT with infected person(s), in CLOSED (poorly ventilated) and CROWDED spaces. Church services can include all of these situations. If you feel that you must attend a worship service, find out how the services are being conducted: outdoors is better than inside, with 10 or less in the same room, all of whom keep their distance from each other and wear masks. The service should be as brief as possible. See our CCTF newsletter on this topic for more information, and consult these guidelines. 2.2.2021 The CCTF published an article on safe travel considerations that can help you determine when and how to travel during the pandemic. On the top of your list should be to assess whether the trip is necessary. If the virus is “spiking” where you or the loved one live, delaying travel is advised. Another factor to consider when seeing a loved one is whether they are at high risk of serious symptoms from COVID-19. Taking the additional precaution of testing and staying in quarantine before travel will reduce the potential to transmit the virus during your visit. You should also be vigilant about remaining as safe as possible and follow the three W’s during travel (wear a mask, wait 6 feet apart, and wash your hands). Whether to travel by plane, train or automobile is likely to be dictated by where you are travelling, and regardless of the mode of transportation your exposure is increased. Following safe behaviors is advised in all cases to mitigate your risk. 2.2.2021 Do not postpone routine care or seeing a health care provider if you become ill for any other reason. You should make every effort to maintain your health care appointments and checkups. Call the medical facility you are visiting to understand the precautions you will be expected to comply with during your visit. Some elective surgeries that are not critical may be postponed, but anyone who needs surgery should not hesitate to receive it. 2.2.2021 Simply, yes you should get a flu vaccine, and no it will not affect your risk of getting COVID-19. CDC recommends that all people 6 months and older get a yearly flu vaccine. With COVID-19 continuing to spread rapidly, it is important to consider that the flu and COVID-19 combined will put increased demands on healthcare resources. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources. For more information on the flu season and COVID-19, see this resource from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm You can also read more in the CCTF newsletter about this topic.
Read more about why masks are important in the first CCTF newsletter on this topic,and a later newsletter. As new variants are emerging, some experts are recommending double-masking.
COVID-19 Exposure and Infection
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1. Stay home for 10 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. You can reduce the period of quarantine to 7 days if you receive a negative result from a COVID-19 test;
2. Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19;
3. Stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19;
4. Get tested no sooner than 5 days after your last contact with the infected individual.
- Practice social distancing and wear a mask around others, including household contacts
- Be alert for symptoms
- Watch for fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
- Check temperature if symptoms develop
- Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop, as outlined at this link:
- 10 days since symptoms first appeared and
- 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Any other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving*
School, Work, Socializing and In-person Gatherings
Other Medical Needs
COVID-19 Vaccines
If you prefer to watch instead of read, here’s an 8 minute FAQ video about Vaccines: https://youtu.be/KVLndvFlvEI
- Who should get the vaccine?
- Who should get the vaccine?2.2.2021
- Virtually everyone should ultimately be vaccinated. Because of limited supplies, the distribution of vaccines will be prioritized according to risk.
- The currently available vaccines are approved for those 16 years or older (Pfizer) or 18 years or older.
- If you see a doctor regularly for treatment for other conditions, or if you have any concerns about the vaccine, it makes sense for you to talk first with your doctor. They can help you determine if there is any reason for you to not take the vaccine. - What conditions would prevent a person from receiving a COVID vaccine 2.2.2021
- You should NOT be vaccinated if
o You have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after a previous mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any components
o You have had an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to previous dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any components
o You have had an Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to polysorbate (due to potential cross-reactive hypersensitivity with vaccine ingredient)
- You SHOULD be vaccinated even if you have allergies. Allergic reactions to food, pets, venom or environmental allergies, or to oral medications are NOT a contraindication for vaccination.
- The vaccine does NOT contain, eggs or gelatin; natural rubber latex is used for the stopper, so no there is no contra-indication for those with latex allergy - What if I just received another vaccine or antibody therapy?2.2021
- General recommendation: a minimum interval of 14 days should be observed before or after receiving any other vaccine
- Shingles (Shingrex) – one study suggested 28 days interval; discuss with your doctor
- People receiving passive antibody therapy should defer vaccine for 90 days as a precaution until more information known
- What about people with other conditions? 2.2.2021
- Immunocompromised people may receive vaccine if there are no other contraindications
- Persons with autoimmune conditions or inflammatory disorders may be vaccinated if there are no other contraindications
- There is a lack of data regarding COVID vaccination in pregnant and breast-feeding women but they may receive the vaccination. We suggest a discussion with your doctor
- I already had COVID-19. Do I still need to be vaccinated? 2.2.2021
- People with known, currently symptomatic COVID infection should defer the vaccine until recovery from the acute illness or after meeting the criteria for completion of isolation
- People with known exposure should not seek vaccination until their quarantine period has ended (to avoid exposing healthcare personnel and others)
- Persons with documented acute SARS-CoV-2 infections in preceding 90 days can delay vaccination until end of that period, if desired
- Clinical trials indicated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe in persons with evidence of prior COVID infection
- Vaccine should be offered to persons regardless of history of symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection
- What type of protection will the vaccine confer?2.2.2021
- The vaccine should prevent severe illness from COVID-19
- A vaccinated person may still become Infected but should not get sick
- A vaccinated person may still transmit the virus to others (this is being currently being studied)
- Who should get the vaccine?
- Vaccination availability and procedures
- How is vaccine distribution being prioritized?
2.2.2021
The state has established 5 groups for vaccination, based on their risk of exposure to the virus and the risk of getting seriously ill or dying from the virus. The first two groups are currently eligible for vaccination, as of 1/14/2021.
- Health care workers and Long-term Care staff and residents
- Older (65+) adults
- Frontline essential workers
- Adults at high risk for exposure and increased risk of severe illness
- Everyone
Not sure which group you are in? You can determine your group at this link: https://findmygroup.nc.gov/
- What is the current order of scheduling by group? 2.2.2021
- PCHD and private providers are currently vaccinating those 65yo and older (75 and older are given first priority)
- PCHD is receiving vaccine each week though amount may vary
- PCHD will start giving 2nd dose of vaccine the week of 1/24
- Where can I make an appointment to be vaccinated in Pamlico County or nearby?2.2.2021
- Pamlico County Health Dept (PCHD)
- Private providers: Carolina East and CCHC
- Veterans may receive notification that they are eligible to receive the vaccine in VA facilities in Durham or regional offices. Vidant and other providers are organizing mass vaccine drives in other counties. If your circumstances allow you to take advantage of these opportunities, do so.
- Future – pharmacies: CVS, Walgreen, Bayboro Pharmacy, Pamlico Pharmacy
- Future – FEMA, national guard, others
- What vaccines are currently approved in the US? How do they compare?
2.2.2021
Vaccine
Moderna
Pfizer
J&J
AstraZeneca
Approved by FDA?
Yes
Yes
Expected shortly
Not yet
Effectiveness
>94%
95%
TBA
TBA
Storage
Frozen -13o to 5oF then refrigerated up to 30 days
Frozen -112Fo to -76oF then refrigerated up to 5 days
Refrigerated
Refrigerated
Dosing
2 doses
1 month apart
2 doses
3 weeks apart
Probably 1 dose
2 doses 4-12 weeks apart (UK)
Age range
18+
16+
18+
18+
- How is vaccine distribution being prioritized?
- What to expect from the vaccine
- What are the most common side effects from the vaccine?2.2.2021
- Mostly after second dose
- Fever, chills, fatigue (1-3 days after vaccination, mostly on day after)
- Pain, redness or swelling at injection site; swollen lymph nodes in the arm receiving vaccine
- Headache
- Less commonly
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Muscle and joint aches
- Call the doctor if the redness or tenderness at the immunization site increases after 24 hours or if your side effects are worrying you, or not going away after 2-3 daysYou may use ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you develop side effects, but you should not take these medicines PRIOR TO getting your vaccine
- How long will it take to achieve immunity?2.2.2021
- After 2 doses, it will take 1-2 weeks until you are protected
- You are still vulnerable to the virus until several weeks after your second dose
- And you may still be able to infect others
- How long will I stay immune to the virus? 2.2.2021
- We don’t yet know how long immunity will last - either natural immunity following infection or immunity following the vaccine
- It appears that natural infection protects you for about 3 months
- We do not know how long the vaccine will protect you, but think it may be 6 months to a year. However, studies are ongoing to gather this information.
- We don’t yet know how the current vaccines will protect against future mutations and different viral strains, though there is some indication that the current vaccines do confer protection against the current mutations we are seeing.
- We expect that people will need to be revaccinated or receive a booster. Again, many studies are underway to answer these questions.
- Can I go back to normal once I have been vaccinated?
2.2.2021
The best way to set realistic expectations around what life will look like in 2021 is to think of it in four stages.
- Stage 0. You have been vaccinated, but some of your family and friends have not.
- You should continue to follow the 3 Ws: wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and wait at least six feet away from other people.
- You should continue to stay at home as much as possible.
- While the vaccination will likely protect you from becoming ill with COVID-19 (for probably 6 months to a year, but we don’t know for sure yet), you may still be able to carry the virus in your nose and respiratory system and transmit to other people
- Stage 1. You and your close family and friends have all been vaccinated.
- Continue to follow the 3 Ws, as you all may still be able to carry the virus and transmit it to others.
- Give the vaccination time to work: each person in your group should allow one to two weeks after the second shot for the body to develop antibodies. But remember, the protective response to the vaccine may vary between individuals.
- If your entire group of family / friends have all gotten the full vaccine regimen and at least a week has passed since the second shot for every person, it probably is okay for you to get together with them in a closed setting, where you’re not interacting with the public. So hang out together at home or a vacation rental, but no bar-hopping! And don’t forget the 3 Ws when you are out in public.
- The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines showed ~95 percent efficacy at preventing symptomatic disease in trials after two doses. But they’re not 100 percent. There is a small possibility that a vaccinated person could still develop symptoms of COVID. Although the vaccines are very good at preventing the severe symptoms that land people in the hospital, experts can’t rule out the possibility that you’ll develop milder symptoms, which could conceivably turn chronic or “long-haul.” There’s also a chance that one of your vaccinated friends might transmit the virus to you. It will require more time and study to know how effective the vaccine is at not only preventing or reducing infection, but also preventing transmission.
- Stage 2. The places you live in and visit have achieved herd immunity.
- In public settings, we all should continue with masking and social distancing until 75 to 85 percent of the population is vaccinated, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He estimates that around that stage — which could come in mid-fall — the US will reach herd immunity. (This is just an estimate, though, and it’s liable to change depending on Covid-19 variants, vaccine uptake rates, and other factors.)
- We are likely to see regions within the US passing the immunity threshold at different times. As North Carolina announces that it is past the threshold, the health department is likely to ease requirements gradually. You will want to know the level of herd immunity achieved for any city, county or state you want to visit.
- Given that there’s a lot of travel between jurisdictions, we will all probably need to continue to wear masks until the whole country reaches herd immunity.
- Stage 3. Herd immunity is reached internationally.
- There’s a good chance we won’t reach this stage until 2022 or later, because access to vaccines is far from equal around the world.
- Scientists are still learning how well the vaccine prevents infection and transmission, and it will be at least spring or summer before they have a good understanding of the effects of current vaccination programs around the world.
- If it turns out that the vaccines prevent infection and transmission almost as well as they prevent symptomatic disease, we may see some countries opening their borders to tourists who provide proof of vaccination, in an effort to get the tourism sector and the broader economy going again.
- Who do I trust? What are trustworthy sources of information?
2.2.2021
Here are a few suggestions to help you separate fact from opinion in the information you are hearing or reading:
- Does the information come from a non-partisan source such as a teaching hospital or a public health expert? Even if it appears so, look further to see if he or she is respected and supported by their peers or are they trying to distance themselves from that person.
- Is the source clearly referenced in the article? Are you able to trace the information back to its original source?
- Has the source document been reviewed by peers or experts before it was published or disseminated? In the rush to publish data about COVID-19 many manuscripts are being published before peer review is completed.
Read more in the CCTF newsletter about this topic.
- What are the most common side effects from the vaccine?