A Self-Advocate’s Guide To Covid

Last Revised: April 2025

IHPP guides are for educational purposes only. The illustrations and information about anatomy are for learning about the human body, health conditions, and preparing for appointments. These guides should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems. These guides are not a replacement for seeing a licensed medical professional. Please talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns about your health.

Transcript:

A Self-Advocate’s Guide to COVID

Created by the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council

This guide helps you understand COVID-19 and how to stay safe.

It explains how the virus spreads, what to do if you get sick, and how to protect yourself and others.

What is this guide for?

To help you understand COVID-19 and how to lower your risk of getting it or spreading it to others.

COVID is a virus that spreads through the air when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can get it even if someone doesn’t look sick.

There are different kinds of COVID called variants. Some are easier to catch than others.

How can you stay safe?

Spend time outside when possible
Wear a mask indoors when around others
Open windows or use air purifiers for fresh air
Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer
Stay up to date with COVID vaccines and boosters

Why do you need vaccine shots and boosters?

Vaccines help keep you from getting very sick or going to the hospital.

Boosters are extra vaccine shots that help your body keep fighting the virus. You can get a booster every 6 months.

What if you were around someone with COVID?

Take a COVID test at home or with a healthcare provider
Stay away from others until you know if you’re sick
Watch for symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache or body aches
- Trouble breathing
- Tiredness
- Upset stomach
- Loss of smell or taste

How do you get a test?

You can get a home test from a pharmacy
Or visit a healthcare provider
Medicaid may cover the cost
You can also call 888-677-1199 or visit DIAL.ACL.gov

What happens when you get a test?

A provider uses a soft swab to gently test your nose
It might tickle or feel weird, but it won’t hurt
You wait for results, then a doctor calls you

At home, you follow the kit instructions and call your provider if it shows you might have COVID.

What if you test positive for COVID?

Isolate yourself at home and stay away from others
Wear a mask and stay 6 feet away if you share space
Open a window for fresh air
After 5 days, test again
- If negative, you can be with others again
- If positive, stay isolated and keep testing until negative
Tell your doctor you have COVID
Let others know you may have exposed them

What is The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project (IHPP)?

The Inclusive Healthcare Partnership Project helps people with developmental disabilities get health information that is easy to understand.

It also trains healthcare providers to communicate better with neurodiverse patients.

IHPP Goals:

Create plain language health materials by and for people with developmental disabilities
Help doctors and nurses communicate clearly with all patients

Last revised: January 2025

This project is supported in part by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Award: $95,319. Contents do not necessarily reflect the views of ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.

Learn more at: http://www.ihppvt.org