Written by Emma Ewing and Alyssa Whittaker, EXCITE Project University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
About Covid-19
Covid-19, also known as coronavirus, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a virus that causes respiratory infections in humans and animals. It is a highly contagious disease, and can be deadly. This strain of coronavirus came to the US in ealy 2020.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there have been 1.2 million deaths from Covid in the US, as of June 2024. Covid spreads in the form of a small particle from an infected person by way of coughing, sneezing, speaking, breathing, etc.
The symptoms of Covid vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms include, fever or chills, coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
Covid is a very dangerous disease and there are many ways to prevent it including washing hands, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, or if you are feeling sick stay home.
Prevention
One of the most important ways to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is to get vaccinated.
Getting a vaccine at times can be scary, especially if it is your first time. That is why it is important to do research. There are sites such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) that provide a lot of insight and information regarding the covid vaccine.
It is also important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.
The Vaccinations
The Covid-19 vaccine has been studied and reported as safe.
Ingredients in the vaccine include fats, sugars, and salts. The exact ingredients vary by manufacturer making the vaccine. The current manufacturers include Pfizier or Moderna.
Both of these vaccines are mRNA vaccines. This type of vaccine is different from regular vaccines because it is created in a laboratory. The mRNA vaccine teaches our body how to make a new protein to fight the disease. The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months or older.
It is also highly recommended if you are 65 and older to get the vaccine because this population is at high risk. There are many places that offer the covid vaccine including pharmacies, drug stores, urgent cares and doctor offices. After the first vaccine it is important to keep up with health recommendations to keep you and everyone around you safe.
One of the ways to do that is to get a booster after your first dose of the vaccine. The two different types of vaccines pfizer and moderna require a different amount of boosters. Moderna generally requires two, while pfizer requires three.
One of the reasons it is so important to continue to get boosters of the covid vaccines is because the virus continues to mutate and create new strains and the vaccine helps protect us from getting sick from these new strains or it will lessen the symptoms of the disease.
For the latest guidance on vaccinations visit cdc.gov/vaccines or https://www.cdc.gov/spanish/
About UD Cooperative Extension’s health disparities work
The Extension Foundation, in cooperation with the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy, through an Interagency Agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding the Cooperative Extension System to address health disparities among rural and other underserved communities.
This initiative is called the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE). University of Delaware has completed multiple projects and programs under EXCITE, helping provide a better understanding and awareness of vaccine education to community members, healthcare professionals, and community leaders.
References:
“Myths & Facts about Covid-19 Vaccines.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 Aug. 2024, www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/myths-facts.html?s_cid=SEM.GA%3APAI%3ARG_AO_GA_TM_A18_C-CVD-FAQ-Brd%3Awhats+in+covid+vaccine%3ASEM00007&utm_id=SEM.GA%3APAI%3ARG_AO_GA_TM_A18_C-CVD-FAQ-Brd%3Awhats+in+covid+vaccine%3ASEM00007&gad_source=1.
“CDC Museum Covid-19 Timeline.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Mar. 2023, www.cdc.gov/museum/timeline/covid19.html.
“About Covid-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 June 2024, www.cdc.gov/covid/about/index.html.
“Coronavirus.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_2. Accessed 20 Oct. 2024.
“Staying up to Date with Covid-19 Vaccines.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Oct. 2024, www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html.
