Covid-19 - Uncas Health District

Respiratory Season: When to Stay Home, Test, or Seek Care

February 26, 2026February 26, 2026 by Uncas Health District

Late winter in New England is prime time for respiratory bugs to circulate — especially influenza (flu), RSV, COVID-19, and “common cold” viruses. National monitoring in February 2026 showed flu activity remained elevated, with influenza B increasing, and RSV elevated in some areas. In a recent epidemiology report, RSV was at peak winter levels statewide, and influenza activity remained elevated, with the highest burden in young children and older adults.

Because many respiratory illnesses share the same symptoms, it can be hard to tell what you have based on how you feel alone. Testing and good “stay-home” habits help protect your family, coworkers, classmates, and community.

What’s Going Around in Winter 2026?

In most winters, the biggest drivers of respiratory illness are:

Flu
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
COVID-19
Common cold viruses (like rhinovirus)

These viruses spread mainly through close contact, respiratory droplets/aerosols, and hands/surfaces — which is why indoor season and gatherings can fuel outbreaks.

Common Symptoms (and why they overlap)

Respiratory viruses can cause a mix of upper-airway and whole-body symptoms, including:

Runny/stuffy nose, sore throat
Cough
Fever or chills (not always)
Body aches, headache, fatigue

Flu often comes on suddenly and can cause significant body aches and fatigue.

RSV often looks like a cold at first, but it can be more serious for infants, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

COVID-19 symptoms range from mild to severe, and can overlap with flu/RSV.

People Who Should Take Extra Precautions

Some groups are more likely to get very sick from respiratory viruses, including older adults, young children, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions or weakened immune systems.

When to Stay Home

CDC’s current respiratory virus guidance recommends:

Stay home and away from others until:

Your symptoms are improving overall, and
If you had a fever, you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.

After you return to normal activities:

For the next 5 days, take extra precautions (like masking and improving ventilation), because you may still be able to spread the virus even as you’re feeling better.

If you start to feel worse again or your fever returns:

Go back to staying home and restart the “improving + 24 hours fever-free” clock.

When to Test

Testing can help you:

Make safer choices about work/school/visiting others
Protect high-risk family and friends
Decide whether you might qualify for early treatment

Test Right Away if You Have Symptoms

COVID-19: If you use an at-home antigen test and it’s negative, that doesn’t always rule out infection—especially early on. CDC advises following the FDA guidance for repeat testing after a negative antigen result.

Flu and COVID: If you’re at higher risk for complications, earlier diagnosis matters because treatments work best when started quickly. (More on that below.)

When a Negative Test Shouldn’t Reassure You

Consider retesting or calling a clinician if:

Symptoms are getting worse
You tested very early after symptoms began
You have close exposure and symptoms
You’re high-risk or live with someone high-risk

When to Seek Care

Call your healthcare provider sooner (same day if possible) if:

You’re in a higher-risk group (older adult, pregnancy, chronic conditions, immunocompromised, etc.)
Symptoms are worsening after initial improvement
Fever is persistent, or you’re worried about dehydration
You may be eligible for antiviral treatment (flu/COVID)

Seek Emergency Care Right Away if You Notice Warning Signs Like:

For COVID-19: trouble breathing, persistent chest pain/pressure, new confusion, inability to wake/stay awake, or pale/gray/blue lips/nail beds (depending on skin tone).

For flu: CDC lists emergency warning signs for adults and children (including breathing difficulty, chest/abdomen pain or pressure, confusion, seizures, dehydration/not urinating, or symptoms that improve then return/worsen).

For RSV: call a healthcare professional if you or your child has difficulty breathing, isn’t drinking enough fluids, or symptoms are worsening.

What to Do if You Think You Have a Respiratory Illness

For most mild illnesses:

Rest, hydrate, and use over-the-counter fever/pain reducers as appropriate
Stay home until you meet the “improving + 24 hours fever-free” rule
Avoid close contact with people at higher risk

Ask About Treatment Early if You’re at Higher Risk

Flu antivirals can lessen symptoms and shorten illness; they work best when started within 1–2 days of symptom onset and are especially important for people at higher risk of complications.
Outpatient COVID-19 treatment for eligible patients should be initiated as soon as possible, ideally within a few days of symptom onset (depending on the medication).

How to Help Prevent the Spread

CDC’s prevention approach emphasizes layered protection:

Stay up to date on recommended immunizations (flu, COVID-19, and RSV for eligible groups).

RSV vaccine guidance (adults) and maternal RSV vaccination guidance (pregnancy) are available through the CDC.

Improve indoor air when possible: bring in outdoor air, use filtration, or gather outdoors.

Wash hands, cover coughs/sneezes, and clean high-touch surfaces.

If you must be around others while recovering, mask and keep distance—especially around older adults, infants, and medically fragile people.

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DPH, Consumer Protection Advise Residents Where to Get COVID Vaccines

October 28, 2025October 24, 2025 by Uncas Health District

client and medical professional discussing vaccine

CT DPH urges providers to discuss vaccination with patients and parents/guardians, encourages COVID-19 vaccination based on risk, and encourages shared clinical decision-making.

October is the best month to get respiratory virus vaccines to protect yourself and your family during peak cold and flu season, which typically starts in October and peaks in December through February. Getting vaccinated now allows your body the necessary two weeks to develop full protection before flu, RSV, and COVID cases begin to rise, ensuring you are prepared and protected when the viruses are most active.

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adopted recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to apply individual-based decision-making to COVID-19 vaccination. In Connecticut, everyone six months and older can receive a COVID-19 shot without a prescription. A pharmacist may continue to order, prescribe, and administer all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines to any patient 18 years or older or for children with parental consent. For details on coverage, please contact your insurance company.

"Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe COVID-19 and that is why our guidance at DPH is similar to those issued in previous years," said Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. "Monday, we sent a notification to Connecticut Vaccine Program providers that they can begin placing COVID vaccine orders, which we anticipate will arrive early next week. Over the next few weeks, parents of young children ages six months to 18-years-old can get their children vaccinated at their pediatrician or primary care provider, but we advise to reach out in advance to ensure the shot is available."

"Pharmacies continue to be the frontline of COVID-19 vaccine administration in our state for adults 18 and older, and for minors aged 3 and older with parental consent," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "It's simple: If you want to get a vaccine in Connecticut, you can. Pharmacists can continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines to those who want them, and many pharmacies offer the ability to sign up for a vaccine online. If you are uncertain if your pharmacy or pharmacist is participating in COVID-19 vaccine administration for minors under 18, we recommend calling ahead to ensure availability."

CT DPH strongly urges providers to discuss vaccination with patients and parents/guardians and to encourage COVID-19 vaccination based on risk and shared clinical decision making. To be clear, without immunity provided by the most updated COVID vaccine, every individual is at a higher risk of acquiring COVID and experiencing greater impacts from the disease. Last month, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) issued guidance similar to previous years, recommending that children six months and older receive the vaccine, as well as adults of all ages. This interactive, user-friendly guide has everything residents need to know

The following 2025-2026 vaccines received FDA approval for use:

Moderna’s SPIKEVAX for those 65 and older and for those 6 months to 64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
Moderna’s MNEXSPIKE for those 65 and older and for those 12-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
Pfizer’s COMIRNATY COVID-19 vaccine was approved for those 65 and older and for those 5-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.
Novavax’s NUVAXOVID for those 65 and older and for those 12-64 years with at least one high-risk condition.

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Meet the Uncas Health District Medical Reserve Corps

March 20, 2025 by Uncas Health

The Uncas Health District oversees several programs to promote public health in Eastern Connecticut, one of which relies on the dedication of volunteers to provide assistance during emergencies. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is part of a national network of people working to strengthen local readiness and reduce potential vulnerabilities during such incidents.

Here’s a look at how the MRC under the Uncas Health District has made a difference:

Who Makes Up the MRC?

The Medical Reserve Corps consists of both medical professionals and non-medical support staff. The MRC administered by the Uncas Health District serves the towns of Bozrah, Griswold, Franklin, Lebanon, Lisbon, Montville, Norwich, Preston, Salem, Sprague, and Voluntown.

This is one of four MRCs in Eastern Connecticut. Additional regions are served through the Eastern Highlands Health District, Ledge Light Health District, and Northeast District Department of Health.

What Does the MRC Do?

The Medical Reserve Corps is divided into teams to provide prompt assistance in the event of a natural disaster or other serious incidents. These teams specialize in dispensing supplies, providing medical aid, supporting operations virtually, and sharing information through local cable access television.

Volunteers receive free training through CT-Train, and participate in exercises, drills, and courses to develop and practice their skills. These preparations help develop expertise in topics like psychological first aid, CPR and first aid, Stop the Bleed and Until Help Arrives lifesaving skills, personal emergency preparedness, bloodborne pathogens, and FEMA incident management practices.

The Uncas MRC participates in numerous events throughout the year, including flu clinics, health expos, recruitment fairs, and more to raise awareness of its work and share information on emergency preparedness. It has also filmed a local public access television talk show called Public Health Matters, cross-trained with the Montville chapter of the American Red Cross on emergency sheltering, and assisted with public health measures such as at-home COVID vaccinations, food drives, and blood pressure clinics.

MRC Statistics

The Uncas MRC was established in February 2007 and currently includes 70 volunteers — 53 with medical expertise and 17 non-medical supporters.

During one typical five-year period, the Uncas MRC responded to 57 incidents or events. It contributed 460.25 volunteer hours with a total economic value of $17,619.

The team was particularly busy during COVID-19. A total of 45 MRC activations were related to the pandemic.

Joining the MRC

The Uncas Health Districts invites new members to join the Medical Reserve Corps and help make a difference! No experience is necessary, and you can complete the initial intake form at CTResponds to get started.

For more information on the MRC, click here. You can also contact MRC coordinator Sara Darlagiannis directly at 508-207-3177 or [email protected] with any questions.

Uncas Health District Homebound Program Provides At-Home Vaccines

October 10, 2024 by Uncas Health District

For many people, getting a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine is as simple as visiting their local pharmacy or doctor’s office. But for some, mobility challenges or health conditions make leaving home difficult, if not impossible. To meet the needs of these individuals, Uncas Health District proudly offers a homebound vaccine program — a crucial service ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to potentially life-saving vaccinations.

What Vaccines Are Offered?

Uncas Health District’s homebound vaccine program provides two essential vaccinations directly to homebound individuals:

Flu Vaccine: Available in both standard-dose and high-dose options, depending on patient needs.
Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 Vaccine: For protection against COVID-19.

Cost of Vaccinations

Flu Vaccines

For those covered by the following insurance providers, the flu vaccine is free:

Anthem BC/BS
Cigna
ConnectiCare
Medicare
TriCare
UnitedHealthCare

For individuals without insurance or with insurance not listed, the costs are:

Standard-dose flu vaccine: $20
High-dose flu vaccine: $65

COVID-19 Vaccines

The Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine is also covered by the above insurers. For uninsured individuals or those with non-participating insurance, the cost is $140.

How to Schedule an Appointment

If you or a loved one is homebound and in need of a flu or COVID-19 vaccine, contact Mary at Uncas Health District to schedule a convenient in-home appointment.

FDA approves new COVID-19 vaccines that target circulating variants

July 10, 2025September 11, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

On September 11, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Consistent with the totality of the evidence and input from the FDA’s expert advisors, these vaccines have been updated to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.

What You Need to Know

Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
The FDA is confident in the safety and effectiveness of these updated vaccines and the agency’s benefit-risk assessment demonstrates that the benefits of these vaccines for individuals 6 months of age and older outweigh their risks.
Individuals who receive an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may experience similar side effects as those reported by individuals who previously received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as described in the respective prescribing information or fact sheets.
The updated vaccines are expected to provide good protection against COVID-19 from the currently circulating variants. Barring the emergence of a markedly more virulent variant, the FDA anticipates that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines may need to be updated annually, as is done for the seasonal influenza vaccine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet tomorrow (Sept. 12), to discuss clinical recommendations on who should receive an updated vaccine, as well as further considerations for specific populations such as immunocompromised and older individuals.
Manufacturers have publicly announced that the updated vaccines would be ready this fall, and the FDA anticipates that the updated vaccines will be available in the near future.

“Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. We very much encourage those who are eligible to consider getting vaccinated.”

The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for individuals 12 years of age and older and are authorized under emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age. As part of today’s actions, the bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.

Data Supporting the Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (2023-2024 Formula)

The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines approved and authorized today are supported by the FDA’s evaluation of manufacturing data to support the change to the 2023-2024 formula and non-clinical immune response data on the updated formulations including the XBB.1.5 component.

The updated mRNA vaccines are manufactured using a similar process as previous formulations. In studies that have been recently conducted, the extent of neutralization observed by the updated vaccines against currently circulating viral variants causing COVID-19, including EG.5 and BA.2.86, appears to be of a similar magnitude to the extent of neutralization observed with prior versions of the vaccines against corresponding prior variants against which they had been developed to provide protection. This suggests that the vaccines are a good match for protecting against the currently circulating COVID-19 variants.
The benefit-risk profile of previously authorized and approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is well understood as these vaccines have been administered to hundreds of millions of people in the United States.

Based on an evaluation of the totality of the evidence, the benefit-risk profile is favorable for individuals 6 months of age and older to receive an updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Although serious outcomes from COVID-19 are less common in younger individuals, they do occur, and it has been demonstrated that recently receiving a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of such serious outcomes.

Additional Details on Today’s Actions

Specifically, today’s actions include:

Approval of Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to include the 2023-2024 formula, and a change to a single dose for individuals 12 years of age and older. Comirnaty was previously approved as a two-dose series for individuals 12 years of age and older.
Approval of Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to include the 2023-2024 formula, a change to a single dose for individuals 18 years of age and older, and approval of a single dose for individuals 12 through 17 years of age. Spikevax was previously approved as a two-dose series for individuals 18 years of age and older.
Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for emergency use in individuals 6 months through 11 years of age to include the 2023-2024 formula and lower the age eligibility for receipt of a single dose from 6 years to 5 years of age. Additional doses are also authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years, as described in the fact sheets.
Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for emergency use in individuals 6 months through 11 years of age to include the 2023-2024 formula. Additional doses are also authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years, as described in the fact sheets.

The approval of Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2023-2024 Formula) was granted to BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH. The EUA amendment for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) was issued to Pfizer Inc.

The approval of Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2023-2024 Formula) was granted to ModernaTX Inc. and the EUA amendment for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) was issued to ModernaTX Inc.

When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test

October 23, 2023August 31, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

At-home COVID-19 testing is one of our best tools to prevent the spread of the virus-alongside getting vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection, hospitalization, and serious illness, but no vaccine prevents 100% of infections. As the virus continues to evolve and cases are projected to spike seasonally, at-home testing helps you to determine if you have COVID-19 so you can prevent spreading it to others. Here are key scenarios and considerations to help you determine when you should take an at-home COVID-19 test and what to do when you get your results.

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When to Take an At-Home Covid-19 Test

You have symptoms of COVID-19.
Refer to the CDC site for more information on COVID-19 symptoms.
You had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Wear a high-quality mask after you find out you’ve been exposed, and get tested 5 days after exposure.
You will be with someone who is immunocompromised or at high risk for severe COVID-19.
Wear a high-quality mask as an additional precaution.
You plan to attend an event or gathering.
Consider testing right before you go to an indoor gathering as a precautionary measure.

If Your At-Home Covid-19 Test is POSITIVE

You should stay home and isolate away from others for at least 5 days after testing positive.

When to end isolation:

After 5 days if you have been fever-free for 24 hours and you had mild or asymptomatic COVID-19.
After 10 days if you had moderate or severe illness and/or you are immunocompromised. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
If you ended isolation but your COVID-19 symptoms recur or worsen, you should restart your isolation from day 0 and consider re-testing.
Consider taking an at-home COVID-19 test to ensure you’re no longer infected.

Continued precautions:

After you have ended isolation and no longer experience symptoms, wear a high-quality mask through day 10 when around others.

Treatment and care:

If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek medical care immediately.
If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19, consult your health care provider right away to discuss whether you need antiviral medication.

If Your At-Home Covid-19 Test is NEGATIVE

Re-test 24-48 hours after your first test, especially if you are continuing to experience symptoms. A negative test doesn’t rule out infection.

Continued precautions:

If you were exposed to COVID-19, take precautions to protect yourself and others (i.e. retesting, wearing a high-quality mask) for 10 days after exposure, even if you test negative. Follow the CDC guidelines on COVID-19 exposure.
Knowing your COVID-19 Community Level can help you decide if you should take additional precautions, especially if you tested as a precaution before attending a gathering or spending time with someone at high risk.

Treatment and care:

If you continue to receive negative test results but symptoms persist, contact your healthcare provider.

Recommendations are from the CDC and current as of February 2023. For the latest COVID-19 information and testing guidelines, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus

Wastewater-based epidemiology

October 23, 2023August 2, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has been widely used to monitor the spread of COVID-19. We must now consider building on the knowledge acquired over the past three years to extend the use of the technique to a broad range of human health and lifestyle aspects.

Widely believed to be among the most promising aspects of WBE is the potential of applying the approach to study a range of population health issues and lifestyle aspects, including dietary habits, illegal drug usage, or medications. This technology is relatively inexpensive and offers an opportunity to anticipate increases in certain health outcomes while targeting interventions.