Información sobre Prevension de Virus de Invierno para Proveedores de Atención Médica

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

 

Please be advised 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 flu to guide antiviral treatment and isolation (as COVID-19 is contagious for longer and coinfections have been reported).

However, if testing for 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 CDC 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 continues to show it works to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death by up to 88%; preliminary data suggests treatment may also reduce risk of long COVID symptoms.

c.  Many commonly prescribed medications can be safely coadministered, 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


Noticias de la Agencia

El Condado De Tulare Elige A Un Nuevo Oficial De Salud Publica

El Condado De Tulare Elige A Un Nuevo Oficial De Salud Publica

El 11 de febrero de 2025, la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Tulare votó 5-0 a favor de nombrar a la Dra. Asma Tariq para el puesto de Funcionaria de Salud del Condado, a partir del 4 de mayo de 2025. La Dra. Tariq toma el puesto que ha estado vacante desde que la Dra. Karen Haught se retiró en 2023.

Festival de Frutas y Verduras 2025 de Salud Publica

Festival de Frutas y Verduras 2025 de Salud Publica

ilJnase a CalFresh Healthy Living y SaveCo para el festival anual de frutas y verduras de este ario el 2 de Abril ! Este festival es gratuito e incluye actividades divertidas y educativas para toda la familia. Ven a aprender formas divertidas y faciles de hacer que cada dfa sea delicioso aiiadiendo frutas y verduras a tus comidas.