Series: Q & A with Your CVFP Health Team
Given the recent unprecedented increase in Omicron COVID infections, your CVFP Health Team has some important information to share.
The high number of COVID infections is having an impact on the CVFP clinic and on the advice we are giving to patients. Here are some common questions:
How do I protect myself from the new strain of COVID-19?
If you are not vaccinated, get immunized. If you have not had a third booster and are eligible, get boosted. Our experience and current evidence show that COVID vaccinated patients who become infected have a much easier course of illness. Click here for up-to-date information on COVID-19 .
If I develop symptoms, what should I do?
Review the symptoms listed on the Alberta Health Website.
If your symptoms are listed, follow these instructions.
1. Immediately isolate. Follow all isolation guidelines.
2. Arrange to get tested:
a. If you have access to a rapid test, use it to complete a self-test
i) Review what to do next depending on your rapid test results. Most people do not need a PCR test to confirm a positive result, but it will be recommended for some people.
ii) Even if you test negative, continue to follow all isolation guidelines as you can get a false negative result.
b. If you do not have access to a rapid test, book a PCR test through an AHS testing site or by calling HealthLink at 811.
3. Once you have your rapid test or PCR results, follow these steps.
If you have questions about your risk or management of your symptoms, please contact your CVFP Health Team.
If I contract COVID, what should I do?
It is important that you isolate to limit the spread of COVID. Continue to follow all isolation guidelines .
Isolation guidelines have recently changed so that fully vaccinated people may be able to shorten isolation time. Carefully review the guidelines to see if this would apply to you.
Monitor your symptoms and call CVFP or HealthLink at 811 if you are getting sicker or are concerned.
Learn how to manage your symptoms at home.
Should I let CVFP know if I test positive for COVID?
If you got your PCR swab through AHS and have named a CVFP doctor as your Primary Care Provider – we should get notification. Usually, we will reach out to you to ensure you are doing alright and answer any questions.
If you have a positive rapid test result or are symptomatic from COVID with a known exposure, email us and let us know the results. We encourage email for efficiency and because of our current staff shortage – emails are reviewed daily. Note: if you are feeling quite unwell, please call CVFP or HealthLink at 811.
How is this latest COVID surge impacting CVFP?
We currently have about 1/3 of our team directly impacted by the community upsurge in COVID infections. With our short staffing, there may be delays in providing service to our patients. We will prioritize urgent health calls.
When appropriate, virtual visits, phone calls and secure emails through Bright Squid will be the preferred way to deliver care. We encourage you to defer face-to-face appointments for routine concerns.
Is there any treatment for COVID?
Certain high-risk patients with early symptoms may be eligible for a treatment option – Sotrovimab. If you think you may be eligible, it is important to get a PCR test at an AHS testing site as soon as possible and call 1-844-343-0971 for next steps.
UPDATE
Recent evidence suggests Sotrovimab may not be effective in treating the BA.2 variant which is the dominant COVID-19 variant in Alberta at this time. Remdesivir is being offered as an alternative to Sotrovimab. Physicians may prescribe Sotrovimab to patients when it is confirmed they do not have the BA.2 variant.
Learn more here.
The pandemic has been stressful for everyone and has provided unique challenges for all of us providing health care. Although the focus of our communication has been on the ‘physical’ aspects of COVID, we also recognize the devastating impact this is having on the mental health of many of us. Your CVFP Health Team is committed to providing support during these challenging times. We remain optimistic that this will be the final significant wave of COVID infection and look forward to a brighter path into the new year.