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COVID-19

Information

Make sure you are up to date on your COVID-19 vaccines by getting all recommended doses, including a booster when eligible. Vaccination helps protect you from serious illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce spread. In addition to HHD sites, vaccination is available at doctors' offices, pharmacies, and clinics. Find vaccines near you at vaccines.gov.

Resources

    COVID Tips

    ABOUT COVID

    What is COVID 19/COVID signs and Symptoms

    What is COVID-19?

    COVID-19 is a contagious illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. People with COVID-19 may experience respiratory symptoms that feel like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some are at a higher risk of developing severe disease and may require hospitalization. COVID-19 is spread primarily through contact with droplets made by people who are sick when they cough, sneeze, or talk. In some cases, a person might get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the SARS-CoV-2 virus on it and then transferring the virus to their mouth, nose, or eyes.

    COVID-19 symptoms:

    1. Fever or chills
    2. Cough
    3. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    4. Fatigue
    5. Muscle or body aches
    6. Headache
    7. New loss of taste or smell
    8. Sore throat
    9. Congestion or runny nose
    10. Nausea or vomiting

    11. Diarrhea

      Note: New variants of COVID-19 may have different symptoms. Symptoms can also be different depending on your vaccination status.

    TESTING 

    Find out more

    KNOW THE NUMBERS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

    Wastewater Houston State of Health

    Treatment

    Actions you can take to protect yourself and others:

    • Stay home when you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
    • Get tested for COVID-19 if you have symptoms
    • Get vaccinated: Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
    • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
    • Improve ventilation and filtration to prevent virus particles from accumulating in indoor air and spend time outdoors when possible
    • Follow the CDC’s recommendations for what to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19, including wearing a high-quality mask when indoors and around others for 10 days after exposure (including inside your home), testing, and monitoring yourself for symptoms
    • Seek treatment if you have COVID-19 or are at high risk of getting very sick
    • Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
    • Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus

    For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website.

    VACCINES

    Find out more
    COVID Videos

    COVID-19 and You

    Key Points:

    • Signs
    • Community Data
    • Symptoms
    • Other health concerns

    Learn more about HHD programs and services or call 832-393-4220.

    Immunizations

    We protect Houston communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.

    Girl smiling after getting vaccinated

    Page last reviewed: October 24, 2025