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COVID-19 in the Texas community

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory syndrome caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrom Coronavirus 2. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.1

There are several common ways that COVID-19 spreads:

Less common ways include:2

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:3

  • Fever
  • Loss of smell
  • Coughing  
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • Feeling weak or lethargic
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Headache
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Slurred speech
  • Seizures
  1. World Health Organization, Coronavirus Overview, Updated 2021
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, How COVID-19 Spreads
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Symptoms of Coronavirus

COVID-19 and The Hispanic Community

Impact on the Hispanic Community

Hispanics throughout the United States have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. There are several factors that have put the Hispanic community at greater risk including the role Hispanics play in the essential workforce and underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. As a result, Hispanics are:1

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

You are faced with challenges to protect yourself and your family while going to work, school, church or just everyday activities. Below are a few simple steps you can take to help keep you and your loved ones safe from the virus: 2

Avoid Close Contact
Remain 6 feet apart from people who don't live in your household and people who may be sick.

Wear A Mask
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask in all public settings and when around people who don't live in your household. 

Get Vaccinated
Authorized COVID-19 vaccines can help protect you from COVID-19. You should get a vaccine when its available to you.

Cover Coughs and Sneezes
Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow and immediately wash your hands.

Clean and Disinfect
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily with a household disinfectant.

Wash Your Hands Often
Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public space. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others, click here.

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Risk for COVID-19 Infection
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, How to Protect Yourself and Others

Talk with a Healthcare Professional

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, contact your doctor or an authorized healthcare provider immediately for guidance. Your healthcare provider can review your symptoms to determine what appropriate testing is needed. If COVID-19 testing makes sense for you, your healthcare provider will direct you where to get tested, which includes collecting your sample (for example, nose or throat swab).

Order Your Own Test

You can purchase your own test for an active COVID-19 infection online through QuestDirectTM. If you order with QuestDirectTM, you will get an at-home collection kit delivered to you or make an appointment at a drive-thru collection site. Learn more about active infection testing.

Simple Steps to Testing

Quest makes lab testing easy and convenient. Read more about how simple it is to take control of your health.

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Why Get Tested

Lab testing for early detection makes a difference in the ability to successfully manage your health. Find out why testing is an important step for yourself and your family.

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Es Tu Poder

Join the Es Tu Poder movement for better health. View the video and learn more about the movement happening across Texas.

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Health Resources

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Texas Community COVID-19 Testing

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