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Flyers:  Got COVID-19? Free Treatment Available (English and Spanish)

Please be advised that recent surges in COVID-19, influenza, and pediatric RSV have resulted in a critical strain on our local hospitals and EMS early this winter season. Outpatient providers are strongly encouraged to focus efforts on treating and preventing serious respiratory illness:

1. Expand or shift patient scheduling to accommodate more same-day sick visits via telehealth or in person, as appropriate.

a. Consider standing-order processes for testing, treatment, triaging, and referrals.

b. Avoid sending patients to the ER unless critically ill.

2. Ideally, test all symptomatic patients for COVID-19 and the flu to guide antiviral treatment and isolation (as COVID-19 is contagious for longer and co-infections have been reported).

However, if testing for the flu or COVID-19 is limited at your office:

a. Evaluate patients for empiric treatment with Tamiflu as per CDC guidance if timely flu testing is not available, particularly for your higher-risk patients.

b. And test for COVID-19 via in-office rapid tests, free testing site, or OTC at-home tests. Providers should treat off self-reported COVID-19 results.

3. Evaluate or refer all symptomatic patients who test positive for COVID-19 for antiviral treatment per NIH COVID-19 treatment guidelines.

a. Most adults and some teens in our area have at least 1 high-risk condition where treatment is recommended (recently expanded per CDC). Treatment is indicated while symptoms are still mild-to-moderate and ASAP, within 5 days of onset, to be effective.

b. Treatment is safe, effective, and well tolerated, with minimal side effects. Data continue to show it works to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death by up to 88%; preliminary data suggest treatment may also reduce risk of long COVID symptoms.

c.  Many commonly prescribed medications can be safely co-administered, including Tamiflu. Rebound is rare and at rates similar to those who do not take antivirals.

d. Medication is free and in stock at most pharmacies. FYI monoclonal antibody Bebtelovimab is no longer available due to viral resistance.

e. If this is limited at your office, please ensure all patients are referred for a free telehealth COVID-19 treatment evaluation with the attached flyer (see at top of page).

4. Review provider advisory on RSV from the CDC. For more information and resources to share with families with young children, visit Valley Children’s Hospital resources.

5. Continue to promote vaccination for COVID-19 and flu for all patients age 6 months and older. As a reminder, COVID-19 bivalent boosters are recommended for everyone age 5 years and older at least 2 months after their last vaccine or booster dose.

6. If you need help with resources, please email Public Health at TCmhoac@tularecounty.ca.gov.
a. Free CLIA-waived COVID-19 rapid tests for in-office use

b. Free OTC COVID-19 test-kits to distribute to patients with telehealth info

c. Free PPE and masks (supplies limited)

d. Questions or other operations support