The Guilford County Division of Public Health is providing steps residents can take to protect themselves and their loved ones from severe illness due to respiratory viruses this holiday season.
As winter gatherings increase, so does the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19, seasonal influenza (flu) and RSV. The following prevention tips are recommended:
- Staying up to date with immunizations
- Practicing good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing your hands often and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Getting enough rest to avoid becoming sick
- Taking steps for cleaner air
- Considering a mask or physically distancing in crowds
- Testing ahead of gatherings
- Staying away from others who are sick
When you may have a respiratory virus:
Guilford County residents may place an order for four no-cost COVID-19 rapid tests. Provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every U.S. household is eligible for the tests, which are delivered directly to the home free of charge. Residents may visit COVIDTests.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 to order the tests.
The Guilford County Division of Public Health continues offering appointments for the 2024-2025 flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine for anyone aged 6 months and older.
Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- 1100 E. Wendover Ave, Greensboro, NC 27405
- 501 E. Green Dr, High Point, NC 27262
To schedule an appointment, please call 336-641-3245. When calling to schedule an appointment, please ensure that health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or Medicare Supplement information is readily available.
We are urging community members, both adults and children, with underlying conditions to protect themselves and others by scheduling a flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointment as soon as possible.
Respiratory virus surveillance data is published weekly by NCDHHS and influenza surveillance data is published weekly by the CDC.
