2022 Covid-19 Information
It's been quite a while since we've done a Covid update. Here's some of the most recent information we have regarding Covid-19.
OMICRON
This variant is not as severe as the others, however, it is highly contagious and impossible to predict any outcome. If you have trouble breathing/shortness of breath, contact your nurse or provider so that we can check your O2 Saturation and vitals. For at-home monitoring, O2 Sat monitors can be purchased online or in stores for a reasonable cost. Symptoms of Omicron: Nasal congestion, sore throat, fever/chills, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, cough; some patients experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many of these are similar to the common cold or influenza.
Vaccines
We continue to encourage patients to get vaccinated as it can significantly reduce hospitalizations and death. If you have questions about the vaccine please reach out to your provider to discuss.
OUR OFFICE IS NOT DISPENSING THE VACCINE
When should I test?
If you have symptoms: we recommend testing If you have been exposed to COVID-19 we recommend following these CDC Guidelines.
See additional CDC Guidelines HERE.
How do I get a test?
Although testing can be difficult to find and expensive at times, there are currently several resources available for testing in our community. This is not a complete list:
Rapid Testing at our office
For Direct Access patients only
$20
DHEC at The Civic Center
AnMed Health Campus
Provider order only
Drive-thru
Nettles Park in Clemson
Free
Monday-Friday 7am-11am
Free at Home Tests
Mailed to you
Home Tests purchased Over the Counter
LabTech Diagnostics
PCR Nasal Swab Test
Provider order only
How do you treat Covid?
Covid Protocol Treatment
Vitamin D3 5000 iu daily
Vitamin C 500 - 1000 mg twice daily
Zinc 100 mg daily
Melatonin 10 mg at bedtime (optional)
Monitor oxygen saturation
Saline spray/irrigation
Rest, Hydrate
Over the Counter Symptomatic Treatment if needed:
Congestion
Sudafed (30-60 mg every 6-8 hrs) is a decongestant (OTC but you have to show your ID at the pharmacy). It can raise your blood pressure but is OK to take if you have HTN and your BP is controlled.
Afrin (one spray each nostril twice a day for NO MORE THAN 3 days) is a decongestant as well and helps with stuffy noses and difficulty breathing at night time. It causes problems if you use it more than 3 days in a row.
Antihistamines: Zyrtec (10 mg daily; non-sedating) and *Benadryl (25-50 mg every 6 hrs as needed; sedating). Benadryl is safe and helps with sleep. These work better for those who have allergies as well.
Flonase (2 sprays in each nostril daily) is a nasal steroid. It works best if you have seasonal allergies.
Nasal Sinus Rinse: Make your own with one cup distilled or boiled water, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking soda. You can also buy saline rinses OTC as packets or pre-mixed. These clear out the sinuses and get rid of snot. DO NOT SHARE YOUR RINSE BOTTLE WITH OTHERS. Budesonide (prescription inhaled steroids) can be added to these rinses for severe congestion and works well.
For Children: decongestants are not recommended. Children’s Benadryl based on age, nasal saline, and suctioning work well with a bulb suction or with a “nosefrida”. Note that children usually get very minimal cold-like symptoms from covid, and many have no symptoms at all.
Cough/Shortness of Breath
Honey reduces both cough and sore throat in evidence-based studies. Helpful in warm drinks like tea, also.
Cough Suppressant: Dextromethorphan (20 mg every 6 hrs; medicine in Robitussin or Delsym for cough) is the most effective cough syrup – as beneficial as codeine-containing cough syrups with fewer side effects.
Expectorant: Mucinex (200 mg every 4-6 hrs). The idea here is to decrease the size of sputum droplets. If it helps you with symptoms, go for it! It doesn’t have many side effects.
Talk to your provider if you need other cough medicine.
Pain/Aches/Chills
NSAIDS: Ibuprofen (adult dose is 600-800 mg every 8 hrs) You can take it as long as you are not on another NSAID and don’t have kidney disease history of stomach ulcers.
Acetaminophen: Tylenol (adult dose is 1000 mg every 6-8 hrs). You can take as long as you’re not taking combination meds with Tylenol and don’t have liver disease. Avoid alcohol if taking Tylenol.
Sore Throat
Chloraseptic Spray numbs the back of the throat
Salt Water gargles. Mix one teaspoon of table salt in warm water and gargle for >30 sec, 3x per day. Listerine gargles have been shown to instantly kill the covid-19 virus.
Motrin or Ibuprofen as above should also help relieve a sore throat.
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