FAQ

As a community, we are all responsible for mitigating the spread of coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of simple steps you can take to help the transmission of the disease: 

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects people frequently touch.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings and when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are challenging to maintain.

You may have also heard the recommendation about social or physical distancing. You may consider: 

• Working from home instead of at an office 
• Visiting loved ones by electronic devices instead of in-person
• Postponing gatherings for the immediate future 

Common ailments mirror the symptoms of COVID-19, and in mild or moderate forms of the virus, it may be difficult to distinguish between it and common cold, for example. Our utilization of the BioFire® Respiratory 2.1 (RP2.1) Panel not only detects the coronavirus but can also determine if a person’s symptoms are being caused by another respiratory issue in as little as 45 minutes.

It is important to point out that the RRT-PCR tests are used to determine if someone is infected early on, and as such, they do not test for the presence of antibodies (immunity) to COVID-19. No testing is 100% completely accurate all the time; however, PCR tests are useful for confirming the presence of an infection in a patient, so they can be mindful of not exposing others to the virus. 

 “PCR testing provides a good indication of who is infected,” said Dr. Miryala, medical director of Community First Emergency Care. “Individuals who test positive can be isolated and inform the individuals they’ve been in contact with, so they can self-isolate as well. These two components – testing and contract tracing, are essential in getting this virus under control.”

If you’re not feeling well and are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, we are offering polymerase chain (PCR) testing, or a type of molecular testing that detects the virus’ genetic material. Using a special nasal swab, a clinician is able to collect a sample of fluid or mucus from your throat or nose. We then can test your sample utilizing the BioFire® Respiratory 2.1 (RP2.1) Panel to obtain results quickly in comparison to other testing methods. 

If you start exhibiting symptoms of the virus, you understandably want to know soon if you are infected so you can seek the proper medical attention as well as keep your loved ones safe. We strive to make this process as effective and efficient as possible and are available for people presenting with symptoms 24/7.

Currently, there are four variants that are being monitored in the United States. Those variants include: B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta).

The latest guidelines from the CDC recommend children (ages 2 and older) wear masks to school, regardless of vaccination status in states and counties experiencing a surge in cases.

We currently offer COVID infusions (monoclonal antibody treatment). The process usually takes about two hours. Monoclonal antibodies are produced in a laboratory and designed to serve as substitute antibodies to help resort, enhance, or mimic the immune system’s attack on pathogens, like the virus that causes COVID-19.

We have same-day rapid testing (RT) polymerase chain (PCR) results available only for emergency exposure or patients with symptoms.

Yes, the CDC strongly recommends you wear a mask while receiving the vaccine. The CDC also suggests masking, staying at least six feet from others, and washing your hands after receiving the vaccine since not everyone will be receiving it at once.

No, you will not come down with COVID-19 after receiving a vaccination. You may have some of the same symptoms, such as fever and fatigue, but you cannot contract the virus. The CDC reports that none of the vaccines developed in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccines are designed to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus.

Since COVID-19 is still a new illness, experts don’t know how long protection lasts. What they do know is that COVID-19 causes severe disease and death for a lot of people. If you contract the virus, the likelihood of passing it to others is high. Experts strongly recommend being vaccinated and say it’s the safest choice. 

Individuals who received the vaccine have reported some mild, short-term side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. These side effects may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain

If you do have side effects, it means the vaccine is working. Your immune system is responding as it should.

No, Community First Emergency Room will not be administering vaccinations.

No, it is not too late. Receiving a vaccine is your best protection. COVID-19 vaccines are readily available at pharmacies, clinics, and other convenient locations. You can also visit vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829 (GETVAX) or call 1-800-232-0233 for assistance in English, Spanish, and other languages.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the vaccines are safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infections, especially severe illness and death. Getting vaccinated reduces the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Children under the age of 12 cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine at this time. Anyone who has a severe allergy to any one of the ingredients in the Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson products should not receive a vaccine.

Currently, the COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for emergency use only. This means they’ve not been granted full approval from the Federal Drug and Safety Administration. Those hospitalized for COVID-19, those requiring oxygen therapy due to COVID-19, and those who need an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19 are not eligible for the vaccine under the emergency use authorization.

• Wear a well-fitted mask at indoor public places. In crowded outdoor settings, they should also wear a mask. 
• Get vaccinated as soon as possible.

• Can resume activities they participated in before the pandemic.
• Should consider wearing a mask indoors in public to prevent becoming infected and possibly spreading COVID-19 to others.
• Should consider wearing a mask if they have a weakened immune system or have an underlying health condition that puts them at increased risk for severe disease. If you live with someone who is at risk, immunocompromised, or is not vaccinated, wearing a mask adds another layer of protection. 
• Do not have to be tested before or after travel or self-quarantine after travel. 
• Should be tested within three to five days if they’ve been around someone with COVID-19 even if they don’t have symptoms. They should wear a mask for 14 days after exposure or until their test result is negative. If they receive a positive test result, they should isolate for 10 days. 
• Need to continue to wear a mask where required by-laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance. 

Due to the transmission rate of the Delta variant and increased hospitalizations, the CDC recently updated its guidelines for fully vaccinated people. Being fully vaccinated means you’ve received two total doses of Pfizer/Moderna or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and it’s been at least two weeks since the vaccine has been administered.

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine protects people from severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to getting the virus. When someone who is vaccinated gets the virus, it is known as a “breakthrough case.” Experts say these cases are rare and that those in the most danger are those individuals who have not received the vaccine.

A vaccinated person might have COVID-19 and not realize it and then unknowingly give it to someone who is not immunized. A person who is not vaccinated could become severely ill. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reversed its recommendation that vaccinated people don’t need to wear masks indoors. It is now suggesting that those even fully vaccinated should wear masks indoors to prevent getting infected and possibly spreading it to others.

Experts highly recommend that those who have not been vaccinated wear masks and social distance when possible. Hand hygiene remains just as important now as it did in the early days of the pandemic for everyone regardless of whether or not they’ve received a vaccine.

The Delta variant is a form of coronavirus that circulated in India and has made its way to the United States. When compared to the original virus, experts say the Delta variant is much more contagious.