Blogs written for a urgent care facility website

1)

Should I Have The COVID-19 Booster?

While many of us finally have the COVID-19 vaccine, that does not mean patients should let their guard down regarding the virus. Booster shots are the next step in defense against any virus-like COVID. The initial vaccine doses help protect us from the danger, but they need to be reinforced to strengthen the immune system again to remain as protected as possible. This process is similar to the annual flu shot to keep the flu virus from becoming more deadly. 

When Can I Get The Vaccine?

The COVID-19 booster is out there and is being administered as quickly as possible to everyone eligible. The CDC recommends that five months is the timeline between receiving the last COVID-19 vaccine dose and getting the current booster. This timeline is based on maintaining the strength of the protection from the vaccine within the body while modifying it to account for variants. 

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, there have been two significant variants. The Delta variant came first and proved to be very dangerous, while the current variant Omicron seems to be less deadly but highly contagious. The booster is now available to anyone who has received their second dose of the vaccine outside of the five-month timeline. 

In What Order Will The Booster Roll Out?

As soon as it was determined that the booster was necessary for everyone who had previously received the vaccine, the clock began for them to receive it. Many of the first patients to initially receive the vaccine were healthcare workers dealing with the pandemic, so they were the first eligible for the booster. Next up were those on the frontlines who dealt with others who could pass the virus to them, such as first responders and teachers. Then lastly, before opening the booster to everyone, those with compromised immune systems and the elderly became eligible to receive their boosters. The booster, just like the COVID-19 vaccine, is now openly available to anyone that meets the requirements.

What Happens Next?

Everyone is actively receiving their boosters now, and soon hopefully, most of those eligible will be fully boosted. It is recommended to get the booster to enhance overall protection against COVID-19 and the known variants. While the vaccine and booster cannot prevent patients from getting COVID, they can decrease incidences of severe illness or worse from a COVID-19 infection. 

There will be updates on COVID-19 testing and any additional boosters to watch for in the future. If you require a vaccine or booster, please book an appointment with an urgent care center today. If you feel that you or someone you know is sick or has come in contact with COVID-19, please reach out to a local urgent care center for ways to get tested and treated. COVID-19 testing has become much more accessible, and confirming whether or not you have the virus can help prevent its spread to family, friends, and coworkers. While COVID -19 is still out there and dangerous, timely testing and administration of booster vaccines are currently the best way to navigate and manage the virus. 

Sources:

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases Last Updated Jan. 21, 2022 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html?s_cid=11706:cdc%20covid%20booster%20recommendations:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22

2)

Which Diseases Make COVID-19 Worse?

COVID-19 is a dangerous virus, and many people are dealing with its effects daily. The consequences of being infected with the virus can range from a runny nose to death. Thankfully, the vaccine and boosters and the knowledge gained since the virus’s inception help steer more infected patients towards the runny nose. Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions and specific diseases make the virus much more dangerous for some. These patients will have to take special care and follow their own more conservative set of rules to navigate the Coronavirus pandemic. 

Chronic Disease & COVID

Chronic diseases that are already heavily detrimental to the patient’s health will become much more of a threat if combined with COVID-19. If a patient with a chronic disease such as cancer or heart disease is infected with COVID-19, they will likely experience severe COVID-19 symptoms and need to be hospitalized. While there is currently no means to provide those with chronic diseases assured protection against COVID-19, there is a possibility of those patients never coming in direct contact with COVID. 

Who Should Be More Worried About COVID?

COVID-19 can be deadly to anyone, including healthy adults, athletes, and even children in previously good health. This chance for the virus to be deadly is much more prevalent in those with severe pre-existing conditions or diseases. These include but are not limited to cancer, diabetes, lung and heart disease, autoimmune deficiencies, and even obesity.

Anyone with a condition requiring a doctor’s visit or medication is at a much higher risk than those without any health conditions. Becoming infected with COVID-19 with one of these conditions could prove too much for the body as there is no current way to cure a patient with COVID; it is up to the body’s natural immune system to fight it. 

Options For Those With Pre-existing Conditions

Quarantine

The best strategy and protection for those with pre-existing conditions or chronic disease is to avoid contracting the virus. Although this may seem difficult, it is not impossible and highly recommended for these patients. Patients who have these conditions and their families should all do what they can to quarantine themselves. Everyone should stay away from those who could pass on the virus, and those with chronic diseases may need to be quarantined from everyone for their safety. If anyone feels sick or believes they have come in contact with someone with COVID-19, they should quarantine themselves until they do not have symptoms and do not test positive to prevent any further spread. 

Social Distancing 

Social distancing is also necessary for those more susceptible to the virus. If these patients must go out or contact others, it is best to stay at least six feet away from them to keep the virus from even possibly being transmitted. The virus spreads through droplets in the breath expelled from the mouth and nose, and therefore being near others and or indoors may allow those droplets to contact them.

Face Masks 

A mask can help reduce the droplets expelled into the air from the nose and mouth. By wearing a mask, you can keep your droplets to yourself and prevent any chance of spreading the disease to others you may contact. Everyone should wear masks indoors, especially those with chronic disease or pre-existing conditions. 

Vaccine

The last line of defense for patients more susceptible to the virus is staying up to date with the vaccine and boosters. Maintaining the vaccine’s strength in the body and getting boosters that account for the variants will help fight off the virus. The body’s immune system can be more prepared to fight the virus and reduce symptoms if a patient does come into contact and becomes infected.

Get Tested

If you believe you or a loved one have come into contact with COVID-19 and need testing, call a local urgent care center to book an appointment. Confirming whether or not you have COVID-19 can help prevent its spread and save lives. 

Sources

Medical Conditions.National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases. Dec.14, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html