The County is urging residents to get a COVID-19 booster shot and get children vaccinated as the Omicron Variant runs through the state. Boosters are now available if it’s been six or more months since your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or it’s been two or more months since your dose of Johnson & Johnson. Eligible individuals are now allowed to mix and match their COVID-19 vaccine booster. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. If you make an appointment at a county vaccine clinic or special pop-up event, bring your vaccine card.
Lost your vaccine card: https://sbcovid19.com/vaccinecards.
For COVID-19 vaccine appointments: MyTurn.ca.gov or vaccines.gov
Information on COVID-19 boosters: sbcovid19.com/boosters
For testing, San Bernardino County residents can get tested locally at the Joshua Tree Community Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to increased demand in COVID-19 testing, appointments are highly recommended. Walk-ins will experience longer wait times and are accepted until 1 hour before closing.
The City of Twentynine Palms has also announced that residents can now get OTC tests from New Pharmacy, located at 72724 Twentynine Palms Highway in Twentynine Palms, for free, while supplies last. There is a limit of one kit per household, and you must provide proof of residency in Twentynine Palms. For questions, contact City Hall at 760-367-6799.
If you are feeling under the weather and don’t know what to think, you’re not alone. With the pandemic still ongoing, many struggle with trying to determine if their symptoms are COVID, the flu, or just a regular cold. Hilary Sloane tells you the symptoms to look out for…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following most common symptoms, all of which may vary from person to person. Please note that information continues to evolve about COVID-19.
| Symptoms & Signs | Cold | Flu | COVID-19 |
| Symptom Timing | Gradual | Symptoms typically appear 1-4 days after infection | Symptoms typically appear 5 days after infection, but can be as soon as 2 days and up to 14 days |
| Fever or feeling feverish | Rare | Sometimes | Typical |
| Chills | Uncommon | Typical | Typical |
| Headache | Uncommon | Typical | Typical |
| Muscle pain or body aches | Slight | Typical | Typical |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Typical | Typical |
| Cough | Mild to moderate | Typical | Typical |
| Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath | Uncommon | Typical | Typical |
| Sore throat | Common | Sometimes | Typical |
| Runny or stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes | Typical |
| Sneezing | Common | Sometimes | Not common |
| Vomiting and diarrhea | Rare | More common in children than adults | Typical |
| New loss of taste or smell | Uncommon | Sometimes | Typical |
Colds, the flu and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses, and the difference can be undetectable by symptoms alone. Seek a test to confirm a diagnosis. Protect your community by staying home and avoiding interactions within 6 feet of others when experiencing any of the above symptoms. Please don’t delay care.
