By Darlynn Williams, PR County Public Health Nurse
Fall is here and historically, this is a time when infectious diseases rise in our area. Powder River Medical Clinic and Powder River Public Health have teamed up to answer the most frequently asked questions concerning Covid-19 and Influenza.
“We are fortunate that cases of Covid-19 have declined since July but we typically see a rise all infectious diseases happen in October, so we would like to provide good information and treatment and prevention options to everyone ahead of time.” said Abbey Barnhart, PA-C.
COVID-19 – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age.
Key Symptoms: Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
When to seek emergency medical attention: If you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake; or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone. Please call 911 if you experience these symptoms.
Treatment: Taking medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can reduce fever. Staying hydrated with plenty of rest will also aid in recovery for mild symptoms. Vitamins such as Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin D are recommended. The FDA has authorized certain antiviral medications and monoclonal antibodies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in people who are more likely to get very sick. Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within days of when you first develop symptoms to be effective. To determine eligibility for monoclonal antibodies, call your primary care provider. If you test positive, current CDC quarantine regulations state you may end isolation after day 5 if you had no symptoms but continue to wear a mask until day 10. If you have 2 negative tests within 48 hours after day 5, you don’t need to wear a mask. If you had symptoms, you may end isolation after day 5 if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and your symptoms are improving but continue to wear a mask until day 10. If you have 2 negative tests within 48 hours after day 5, you don’t need to wear a mask.
Testing: At home tests are available in limited supply at the clinic and public health. They are available for purchase at the local pharmacy. A nasopharyngeal test may be administered at the clinic or public health during a scheduled appointment to determine positivity. Call 406-436-2651 or 406-436-2297 to schedule an appointment.
Vaccination: Recently, the FDA amended the emergency use authorizations of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to authorize bivalent formulations of the vaccines for use as a single booster dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. The bivalent vaccines, which are referred to as “updated boosters,” contain two messenger RNA (mRNA) components of SARS-CoV-2 virus, one of the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and the other one in common between the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 18 years of age and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent, is authorized for use as a single booster dose in individuals 12 years of age and older. The monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized as booster doses for individuals 12 years of age and older. 1st and 2nd dose Moderna vaccines are available at public health by calling 406-436-2651. October 7th we will offer Moderna bivalent vaccine. To add your name to a call back list for an appointment, call 406-436-2651.
INFLUENZA – Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. There are two main types of influenza viruses: Types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
Key Symptoms: Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, possible vomiting, or diarrhea (typically more common in children). The time from when a person is exposed and infected with flu to when symptoms begin is about 2 days but can range from about 1 to 4 days.
When to seek emergency medical attention: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (rapid breathing in children), persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to arouse, seizures, dehydration/not urinating, severe muscle pain, severe weakness or unsteadiness, fever or cough that improve but then return and worsen, worsening chronic medical conditions, fever above 104°F, any fever in children younger than 12 weeks.
Treatment: There are influenza antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness. Check with your doctor promptly if you are at higher risk of serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms. People at higher risk of flu complications include young children, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Testing: Several tests are available to detect flu viruses in respiratory specimens. The most common are called “rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs).” RIDTs work by detecting the parts of the virus (antigens) that stimulate an immune response. These tests can provide results within approximately 10-15 minutes but may not be as accurate as other flu tests. Therefore, you could still have flu, even though your rapid test result is negative. Other flu tests called “rapid molecular assays” detect genetic material of the flu virus. Rapid molecular assays produce results in 15-20 minutes and are more accurate than RIDTs.
Vaccination: Flu vaccines will be available through public health. Flu vaccine has been shown to reduce flu related illnesses and the risk of serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. We will have the first Mass Flu Vaccination clinic at the Community Center on October 12 from 2-6 pm. This will be a walk-in clinic.
As the days get shorter and cooler, there are everyday strategies you can do to help prevent disease and improve your health: Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (sing the “Happy Birthday” song), visit your doctor for preventative services and regular checkups, get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, substitute water for sugary or alcoholic drinks and reduce calories; move more and sit less – at least 150 minutes of moderate-intense aerobic activity plus muscle strengthening activities 2 days a week; eat healthy foods including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and low fat dairy; unwind by taking deep breaths, stretching, meditating, or doing an activity you enjoy; connect with people you trust about how you are feeling and express gratitude; brush your teeth twice a day, and avoid substances like tobacco.
To schedule an appointment with a provider for preventative services or regular checkups, please contact Powder River Medical Clinic at .406-436-2651. For information on flu vaccine call public health at 406-436-2297.
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