Local Health Update

Nearly 80% of all positive test results this week were for Flu A.

There is a slight increase in Covid again, although proportionately, far fewer people are testing positive overall.  Fortuantely the symptoms of Covid for most are more like a bad cold and while it can feel icky, it's not as bad as in years' past.

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A majority of the time at SmartMED patients have chosen to use PCR (molecular) tests to diagnose illnesses.  Doing so significantly increases the ability to diagnose accurately on Day 1 and Day 2 of illness. Diagnosing within the first 48 hours keeps patients within window for treatments such as Paxlovid or Tamiflu. 

While rapid tests can certainly be useful (most medical practices use rapid tests), they are most accurate 3-5 days after symptoms begin, or if the viral load is high enough to show a positive result.  If you feel that you have one of these viruses (Covid/Flu or RSV) and you are testing negative on rapids, you may want to test again in a couple of days or consider a molecular test for a more accurate diagnosis.

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Tips to avoid the Flu this season:

1. Get the Annual Flu Vaccine

Why it's effective: The flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent the flu. It helps reduce the risk of contracting the virus, as well as the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.

Who should get it: Everyone aged 6 months and older, especially high-risk populations such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

2. Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Why it's effective: Regularly washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer helps remove any viruses that may be on your hands. This reduces the likelihood of transferring the virus to your face, eyes, nose, or mouth.

Tips: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places or touching shared surfaces. Encourage frequent handwashing throughout the day

3. Avoid Close Contact with Sick Individuals

Why it's effective: The flu is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Limiting exposure to those who show symptoms can reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus.

Tips: Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the virus. If possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

4. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces Regularly

Why it's effective: Flu viruses can survive on surfaces for hours to days. Regularly disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, like doorknobs, light switches, phones, and remote controls, can reduce the spread of the virus in your environment.

Tips: Use disinfecting wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol to clean surfaces at least once a day or more often if someone in your home or workplace is sick.