Thank you for doing your part to protect yourself and those around you from getting or spreading COVID-19!
Now that you have been vaccinated, you might be thinking, is that it? Is that all I need to do to for me & my loved ones to be 100% safe from Coronavirus?
Not exactly.
Here is what getting vaccinated DOES mean:
It will help protect you and your family who are at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This is also an opportunity for you to serve as a role model in our community. By getting vaccinated first, you can positively influence vaccination decisions of coworkers, residents, friends, and family.
Some of the questions you might be asking are, “Should I be freaking out about COVID-19?” and “Why can’t I hang out with my friends in person?”. You may be feeling worried, bored, or frustrated. COVID-19 is frightening, and you are not the only one feeling stressed.
While anyone can catch the virus that causes COVID-19 and people of all ages and backgrounds can get severely ill, most people have a mild illness and are able to recover at home. But regardless of your personal risk, it is natural to be concerned for your friends and family or about uncertainty and changes in your daily routine.
There are things you can do to manage your stress.
Learn about COVID-19. Knowing the facts and stopping the spread of rumors about COVID-19 can help you feel more in control of what is happening.
Help stop the spread of COVID-19 by washing your hands often with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with other people – even your friends. COVID-19 may be spread by people who do not have symptoms. These actions will keep you from getting sick and spreading the virus to other people you care about.
Wear masks when you do leave your home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Masks offer some protection to you and are also meant to protect those around you, in case you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. People who should not wear a mask are children under age 2 and anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
You can be social, but do it from a distance, such as reaching out to friends by phone, text, video chat, and social media.
Find ways to relax. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to do activities you enjoy, like exercising, gaming, reading or other hobbies.
Keep to a schedule. Plan times for doing school work, relaxing, and connecting with friends.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. These substances can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections and increase the risk of certain complications associated with COVID-19.
Talk with someone you trust about your thoughts and feelings.
You may be feeling loss or distress over the changes in your life during this time. There are steps you can take to cope with your grief.