In an effort to better understand how many people in Harris County may have already been infected with COVID-19, officials with Harris County Public Health (HCPH) will be conducting a survey of randomly selected homes. The survey will identify people infected in the past with COVID-19 by the presence of antibodies, proteins the body’s immune system makes to fight infections. County residents agreeing to participate in the survey will be tested for the presence of these antibodies.

HCPH outreach teams will be in different county areas November 15 – December 15, 2020, from 8am – 5pm, visiting randomly selected homes seeking residents willing to participate in the survey. Only homes approached by the teams are eligible to participate and participation is voluntary. 

View the full press release here.

Reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever due to COVID-19. Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) while flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the different between them based on symptoms. Testing for either virus may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

The most important step in preventing flu is to get a flu shot each year - and this is not the year to skip it! Even though there is not yet a vaccine for COVID-19, we can still hope to reduce the spread of the flu with the flu vaccine shot. 

Find more resources for this flu season here as well as upcoming flu vaccine clinics here.

Reporting Violations

To report violations of County orders, residents can call 832-839-6941 or fill out the State/County COVID-19 Order Complaint Form online.

In an effort to educate and share awareness regarding COVID-19, we encourage you to utilize and share our social media images through your own social media platforms. 

HCPH Social Media Toolkit (Updated 11/16/20, 12:00 PM CST)