In collaboration with Alexis VDH, a number of physicians are hosting Lunch and Learns to discuss COVID-19 and its variants. These events will feature the latest trends in the vaccine, including the latest clinical guidelines for the 2nd booster and how to partner with VDH to serve the uninsured. All those registered for the event will receive a Zoom link so they can join the conversation. Interested providers can register for the event online and attend via Zoom.
COVID-19 clinical guidelines
If you are suffering from COVID-19, the best way to manage your symptoms is to drink lots of water and limit your intake of coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages. You can also take over-the-counter medications to manage your symptoms, as long as you follow the directions on the medicine label. COVID-19 treatment may reduce your risk of developing severe illness and even prevent death if you are a high-risk patient.
Before starting treatment, be sure to contact your health insurer and discuss the risks of exposure to the virus. If you are positive for COVID-19, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. If you suspect an outbreak of COVID-19, you should inform your family and friends. If you suspect your patients have been exposed to the virus, refer them to VDH’s webpage for more information. Make sure you follow the reporting guidelines outlined in the report.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may need longer than three days to be isolated from the virus. If you have a weak immune system, your health care provider may want to test you for the virus before prescribing Paxlovid. You should continue to isolate yourself for at least ten days, and you should talk to your healthcare provider about how long you should remain in isolation. If you are able to, you should avoid public places and stay home in a separate room.
COVID-19 variants and strains
CDC and VA are investigating a possible COVID-19 outbreak in Virginia. The virus’ COVID-19 variants are causing the disease. These variants are associated with increased COVID-19 transmission. The variant is associated with higher person-to-person transmission. The variant was only recently added to the CDC’s Variant of Concern list. The Virginia Department of Health has been in contact with the affected population since the first case was reported in July.
Scientists are closely monitoring the evolution of COVID-19 in the world. Some variants are spreading faster than others, while others cause the disease in a milder form. Increasing cases of the disease puts more pressure on healthcare resources and can lead to more deaths. The goal of the COVID-19 vaccine is to keep the virus from spreading. However, there is a chance that variant strains will arise in the future.
While the outbreaks have occurred in Virginia, the virus is spreading rapidly in the United States. The delta variant of COVID-19 has a high risk of spreading and is the most common. In Virginia, eighty percent of infections were caused by the Delta variant. However, the Delta variant is also contagious and has been identified in all five health regions in the state.
partnering with VDH to address serving the uninsured population
Virginia is taking a step forward to address the health needs of its under-insured population by partnering with a statewide group of Community Health Workers. Valerie Ross is one such community health worker who is leading the state’s implementation of the Healthy Virginia grant. She is also involved in the work of the Virginia CHW Development Council and the VDH’s Office of Health Equity.
The Office of Health Equity is hosting a Lunch and Learn on COVID-19 on April 14 from Noon to 1 pm. The program will cover the variants of COVID, clinical guidelines for the second booster, and the partnership with VDH to serve the uninsured population. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and highlight areas of interest. All those registered will be sent a Zoom link to participate.
