Can you believe that it has been over three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic? It seems like yesterday, but it has certainly been a long journey to get where we are today.

We are glad that COVID-19 cases have plummeted since the peak of the pandemic, but the threat is still out there. In fact, cases are rising again as new variants are becoming more transmittable.

Our AFC Urgent Care Boulder team explains more below about the current COVID-19 situation and what symptoms to look for this season.

Can You Get Sick From COVID-19 Twice in a Year?

We hate to say it, but yes, you can. The virus is constantly changing and evolving into different strains and variants, so while you may be immune to one, another can take you by surprise and make you really sick. While anyone can still get COVID-19, immunocompromised people and older adults continue to be the most at-risk when it comes to severe infections.

This is why getting tested right at your symptom onset is crucial! Knowing what you have can help ensure you remove yourself from work or school quickly to avoid spreading it around. There are thankfully some reliable antiviral drug treatments available these days, but they tend to work better if you take them as soon as your symptoms begin. Come see us for your rapid test!

COVID-19 Symptoms This Year

• Sudden fever
• Chills
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or muscle aches

Is a COVID-19 Vaccine Still Recommended?

Yes! The vaccine is still one of the most reliable ways to avoid infection, as well as reduce symptom severity if you do get sick. Moving forward, the COVID-19 vaccine will be reformulated regularly to match the latest strains of the coronavirus, much like the flu shot is reformulated each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months and older receive a dose of the newly reformulated vaccine that was made available in mid-September.

Breakthrough cases do still happen, even if you are fully vaccinated and boosted. If you do get sick, stay home, drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself isolated from the rest of your household. We can, and should, all continue to do our part to keep our community safe.

Warning Signs of COVID-19

• Respiratory distress
• Persistent chest pain or pressure
• Confusion
• Pale, gray- or blue-colored skin and lips

COVID-19 rapid tests are available at AFC Urgent Care Boulder. Stop by today.