Starting the week of Sep. 30, households can order four free COVID-19 tests through COVIDTests.gov as a way to curb the spread of the disease. These rapid at-home tests provide results within 30 minutes and can used through the end of the year.

To help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, the CDC stated, “Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache, among others.”

The CDC says you can resume normal activities after 24 hours if your symptoms improve and you haven’t had a fever and to take precautions five days after, such as wearing masks and practicing good hygiene.

The CDC recommends everyone ages six months and older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against “severe illness, hospitalization, and death.” 

To find COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov. Pharmacies in Ames that provide vaccinations are CVS, Hy-Vee, Walgreens, Walmart, Medicap, NuCara and the Thielen Student Health Center.

Parks Library also offers two walk-in flu clinics, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 15 and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Cyclone Support Central in room 140. Students should bring their ISU ID and insurance card.

Associate Director of Thielen, Taylor Heitzman, stressed the importance of getting vaccinated for students and staff. 

“Basically, it’s an insurance policy on health,” Heitzman said. “We want to make sure that people are able to go to class and be successful in their daily life.”

To make an appointment at Thielen, call (515) 294-5801. Flu shots are also available at the student health center by appointment or through walk-ins from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

“It’s important for your own health, but also that herd immunity to protect those around you as well,” Heitzman said.