A reminder that this is Flu/Cold/Covid season; it is also allergy season for some people, and often symptoms for these illnesses are similar. Since some of us may have been traveling and/or attending family gatherings during the past weeks, it is important to make sure that you are aware that Covid cases have been increasing. As of 12/23/23, JN.1 (the newest variant, which is an Omicron subvariant) made up 44% of the cases circulating in the US.
If you feel sick or experience symptoms, please test for Covid and stay home. Per the CDC, JN.1 is highly transmissible, but the main symptoms are the same: cough, fever/chills, body aches, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, loss of smell/taste.
The CDC also recommends wearing a mask around others for at least 10 days if you’ve tested positive for COVID, and for up to 10 days if you’ve been exposed to someone who tested positive. I have attached a CDC resource guide for testing, isolating, and masking for you to review.