Are COVID-19 cases increasing?
Yes. COVID-19 cases have increased since August. The vast majority of people are recovering from COVID-19 at home. If you test positive with a home test, please call 509.243.3344.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Symptoms of COVID-19 can look like other illnesses. You may have mild, moderate or severe symptoms. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you can take a home test or visit your healthcare provider for a PCR test.
Symptoms include:
Symptoms include:
- Fever/chills
- Cough/shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion/runny nose
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea
Can I use an expired COVID-19 test?
If an extension has been granted, you can still use the test. Learn more about the extensions here.
When should I test for COVID-19?
You should consider testing for COVID-19 if you have symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 but did not develop symptoms, do not test for at least 5 days. You do not need to test for COVID-19 if you do not develop symptoms. However, there are some circumstances, you may want to test even without symptoms (such as visiting someone with a compromised immune system or going to a large event).
False negative results are possible, especially in the early stages. If you continue to have symptoms after a negative COVID-19 test, consider retesting in 24-48 hours.
If you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 but did not develop symptoms, do not test for at least 5 days. You do not need to test for COVID-19 if you do not develop symptoms. However, there are some circumstances, you may want to test even without symptoms (such as visiting someone with a compromised immune system or going to a large event).
False negative results are possible, especially in the early stages. If you continue to have symptoms after a negative COVID-19 test, consider retesting in 24-48 hours.
Can I get a false negative or false positive test result?
False positives are very rare. At home COVID-19 tests are accurate for positive results and you do not need to retest.
False negatives happen more often. You can get a false negative if you test too early. In some cases, a person will not test positive on a home test at all. If you believe you might have a false negative, you can retest or contact your health care provider about a PCR test. PRC tests are much more sensitive than home tests.
If you get a negative test and continue to have symptoms, consider retesting in 24-48 hours.
False negatives happen more often. You can get a false negative if you test too early. In some cases, a person will not test positive on a home test at all. If you believe you might have a false negative, you can retest or contact your health care provider about a PCR test. PRC tests are much more sensitive than home tests.
If you get a negative test and continue to have symptoms, consider retesting in 24-48 hours.
What do I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay away from others as much as possible until your symptoms improve. Most people can treat their symptoms at home without medical intervention but contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms or you are concerned.
You can report your positive test to your local public health office. Call 509.243.3344 to speak to someone at Asotin County Health District. Consider letting people you had close contact with know about your positive test result. It is recommended that you stay home for at least 5 days after testing positive. The day you test positive is day zero.
If you do need to be around others, wearing a mask can help prevent spreading illness.
You can report your positive test to your local public health office. Call 509.243.3344 to speak to someone at Asotin County Health District. Consider letting people you had close contact with know about your positive test result. It is recommended that you stay home for at least 5 days after testing positive. The day you test positive is day zero.
If you do need to be around others, wearing a mask can help prevent spreading illness.
If it isn't COVID-19, what is making me sick?
The common cold, influenza (flu) or RSV can look like COVID-19. If you are sick, stay home from work/school and avoid contact with others as much as possible. Even if it isn't COVID-19, you can still spread the illness to others!
Is there a new COVID-19 booster shot?
In September 2023, an updated COVID-19 vaccine was approved by the FDA and CDC. The vaccine is covered by insurance and some doses are available for people without health insurance. Speak with your healthcare provider to see if the updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for you.
Do I need to wear a mask?
If you are sick with any illness, try to stay home and avoid contact with others. Masking is recommended if you need to be around others while you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others. Surgical or N95 masks are appropriate to prevent spreading illness to others.
Some businesses, hospitals, schools or other facilities may have their own masking requirements for visitors or staff. However, there is not a statewide "mask mandate". If you choose to wear a mask for your own protection, N95 masks are recommended.
Some businesses, hospitals, schools or other facilities may have their own masking requirements for visitors or staff. However, there is not a statewide "mask mandate". If you choose to wear a mask for your own protection, N95 masks are recommended.
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Asotin County Public Health leads the community through education and evidence-based practices to prevent illness, promote health, and protect the environment to improve the quality of life in our communities.