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Updated COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 UPDATE:
The CDC has finally announced updated isolation guidance for COVID-19. Effectively immediately, people who test positive for the coronavirus no longer need to routinely stay home from work and school for five days.
There are many excellent reasons for this welcome policy change, most notably:

  • The COVID-19 virus has undergone many mutations, resulting in less severe disease. Deaths and hospitalizations are unusual in 2024.

  • There is widespread access to vaccines, and they effectively prevent severe disease and death.

  • We have two effective oral antiviral medications to treat illness when it occurs, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (PAXLOVID) and molnupiravir (LAGEVRIO). These shorten the duration of symptoms, prevent spread to others, and in the case of PAXLOVID, may reduce the likelihood of long COVID symptoms.

Practical guidance for other respiratory illnesses now applies to COVID-19 as well:

  • Stay home when you’re sick.

  • Call AFP 413-549-8400 to speak with our Triage staff or book a same-day appointment with one of our Providers to see if you need further testing or might benefit from additional treatments.

  • Return to activities, school, and work once overall symptoms are improved and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin).

  • Wear a mask around others if you are sick or are at increased risk of severe illness. Masks prevent the spread of respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, among others.

 

SPRING VACCINES:

  • FOR ALL PATIENTS:

  • We are still seeing seasonal flu!

  • Please book a visit for your 23/24 influenza vaccine if you haven’t yet received yours.

FOR PATIENTS 65+ or HIGH RISK:

  • Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older.

  • For those 65+ or otherwise at high risk of complications, the CDC recommends a 2nd dose of the 23/24 COVID-19 vaccine in anticipation of a spring surge.

  • Please book an appointment with a member of our Clinical team for your 2nd dose if you are in this category.

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