As the weather has started to warm and COVID case numbers are significantly down compared to the most recent peak, we need to remember that COVID is still here, and according to the experts, will be with us potentially for years to come as the virus continues to mutate. The pandemic has been so hard on all of us, and it is often difficult to know what to do to keep you and your family safe as the situation continues to change. Since cases are down, mask mandates are ending and, depending on your individual risks and the particular situation, it is generally safer, to be around others. This is wonderful, however, it is very likely that cases will start to rise again, so we need to be prepared.
We have made a great deal of progress and while the virus keeps changing and surprising us, we have high quality masks, vaccines and effective therapies. If you are interested in good in depth information and insights from Dr. Osterholm about where things stand currently, Here is a link to his recent COVID update podcast episode titled "The Next Normal."
Here at Evergreen Primary Care we just received our first shipment of the antiviral oral medications that have received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for COVID, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. We continue to have both rapid antigen tests and send out PCR tests.
As an Evergreen patient, know that you can contact us if you develop symptoms that potentially could be due to COVID - such as cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, diarrhea, fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, or loss of taste or smell. We can advise you about testing options (available here, at home or at a community testing site). If you do test positive, we can help determine if you would benefit from one of our available anti-COVID medications and if so, can dispense to you free of charge. We are here for you if you need us!