What’s new: Free COVID Tests
It has been 2 years and things are still changing, new variants, testing challenges, treatment options. So much has happened these past few months and we have all been inundated with information and changes concerning COVID-19 the past month alone.
So, what do you need to know….?
Omicron Variant: We are all aware of the omicron variant and the increase in cases the past month. Specifically in Buncombe County, there has been approximately 5000 new cases the past 2 weeks and 2100 new cases in Henderson County the past 2 weeks.
The Omicron variant although causing mild disease compared to the Delta variant, it is also more contagious, it is 2-3x more contagious than the Delta and 4-6x more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus. For every one person that gets Omicron, you can spread it to at least 3 people.
Testing Options: It has been a challenge to get at home test and/or testing center appointments the past few weeks. Rapid antigen tests have low sensitivity but are good for those with symptoms > 3 days and PCR testing has a high sensitivity and specificity and great for confirmation of antigen results as well asymptomatic patients etc.
Beginning Jan 19th, the federal government will make at home covid antigen tests available to families for free. Families can get FREE COVID-19 antigen tests delivered to your home. Families can start ordering on January 19th. Test are supposed to be mailed to homes in 1-2weeks after order placed.
For testing centers, you can use the links below:
Beginning 1/19, request free test kits at COVIDTESTS.GOV
No cost community testing centers: Click Here to find the locations.
Testing centers that can bill your insurance or charge a fee: Click Here to find locations.
Request at home kits in NC from HERE.
At One Health DPC, we are offering COVID-19 testing to the community: Click here to learn more.
Treatment options: Over the past month, we have learned that the monoclonal antibodies Regen-COV is not as effected for the Omicron variant and monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab is effective however there is a short supply of this in our community and therefore reserved for high risk individuals.
The FDA recently did provide an emergency authorization for oral medications Paxlovid and Molnupiravir for patients at risk for severe disease. Again, there is limited availability in our community of both medications.
Vaccination: This is still our best option to decrease risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19. This is free and widely available so if you or your child ages 5 and up have not been vaccinated please make an appointment with pediatrician, family doctor or pharmacy to get vaccinated. For those vaccinated, make sure to get your Booster if you are due for it. You can get a booster 6 months after your Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Vaccinated persons have been shown to have mild illness from Omicron and less risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Continue wearing your mask (surgical, KN95 or N95 mask)
Quarantine guidelines: As of December 27, 2021, the CDC updated their quarantine guidelines for COVID-19 from 10days to 5 days. Those who test positive should isolate for 5 days and if asymptomatic at the time, they may leave isolation BUT continue to mask for 5 more days to minimize risk of infecting others.
Thank you for reading and Stay Safe!
-Dr Osei @ One Health Direct Primary Care