Most of us look at COVID differently than three or four years ago. Instead of fear and uncertainty, we’re dealing with a known entity. We’ve added it to the list of common viruses, just like cold and flu. However, patients still have plenty of questions. Are we still testing and quarantining– or are we treating it like a common cold? Do I need to see a doctor if I test positive? How worried should I be if I have a chronic condition? Fortunately, our understanding of the virus has improved. You can navigate COVID’s new normal by working with your primary care doctor.
“Our approach to COVID has changed as a society,” says Dr. Mamta Ojha of Norvinia Health, an internal medicine and primary care physician in Loudoun. “However, as doctors, we focus on keeping patients healthy and preventing serious illness and hospitalization.”
Is COVID Still A Threat For Adults?
This summer, the CDC made big changes in its approach to COVID-19. The agency has officially declared COVID as endemic. That means the pandemic is over, and instead, the virus is here to stay in a relatively predictable way. This has meant a notable loosening of protocols. However, COVID-19 can still be dangerous and even deadly, especially for people in high-risk groups. We saw a surge this summer as the new FliRT variants circulated. And while COVID deaths are way down compared with the height of the pandemic, there are still around 1000 COVID deaths in the US each week in September 2024. In many cases, these are a result of other compromising factors.
What Should I Do If I Test Positive?
One of the significant changes in our approach is that the days of quarantine are gone, thanks to dramatic declines in deaths and hospitalizations. Instead, we treat COVID-19 like a case of the flu or another virus. Our symptoms, not test results, should guide how we behave. Under new CDC guidelines, the previous five-day isolation rule no longer applies. As with many other respiratory viruses, stay home when you’re sick. You can return to work or school fever-free for at least 24 hours without using a fever reducer. Of course, we still want to practice community care and avoid infecting others. Don’t ignore a positive test. Limit interactions with others for five days and consider taking precautions if you return to work or school within five days.
What Are The Symptoms of COVID-19?
Many symptoms are similar to past variants, with one big exception. Fewer patients are reporting a loss of taste and smell. Conversely, headaches are far more common with the new variants. Other common symptoms include fever and chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, congestion, and runny nose. While respiratory symptoms are most common, some patients experience nausea and vomiting.
How Can I Prevent COVID-19?
One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic is that most of us are more aware of simple precautionary measures that can help us stay healthy. We can help prevent COVID infections by:
- Washing hands regularly.
- Cleaning surfaces diligently.
- Practicing “cough etiquette” and staying mindful of colleagues, friends and family members.
- Staying home when we feel sick.
- Air purifiers should be added, and windows should be opened in closed spaces.
- Staying up to date with vaccines and boosters, including the new 2024 COVID booster and flu shots.
Should I Take Paxlovid If I Test Positive?
Paxlovid is an oral medication that’s had remarkable success in preventing severe illness and hospitalization in patients with COVID-19. However, you must take it within five days of your symptoms showing up. Since COVID typically remains mild in most healthy younger adults and children, we generally recommend Paxlovid for patients who are high risk because of an underlying condition like diabetes, obesity or a heart or lung condition and those 65 and older.
Should I Get The New COVID Boosters?
The new 2024-25 COVID-19 boosters are now available in pharmacies. The CDC recommends a booster for everyone six months and older. The new vaccines by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are similar to past vaccines with adaptations to target the latest variants. Even though the risk of COVID-19 has declined, the virus can still cause severe illness and death–even in healthy patients. Studies show that vaccines help prevent serious disease in people of all ages.
Should I See A Doctor If I Test Positive?
Home tests are accurate and widely available, so you don’t necessarily need to see a doctor if you’re otherwise healthy. If you are at low risk and test positive, stay home, rest and hydrate, as you would with any similar illness.Call your primary care doctor if symptoms don’t go away or worsen after a week. However, if you’re over 65 or have an underlying condition, call your primary care doctor as soon as symptoms appear. There’s a good chance Paxlovid can help prevent severe illness and speed your recovery. Patients of all ages with chronic conditions or immunocompromised individuals should call their doctor if they have COVID symptoms or test positive at home.
At Norvinia Health, we continue to help patients navigate COVID’s new normal with treatment and prevention strategies and guidance on return to work and school. Our approach to the virus looks different than four years ago, but our desire to stay healthy and protect our loved ones and community hasn’t changed.
