David Katzman, MD & Jennifer DeLaney, MD Internal Medicine Specialists |
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Safe Quarantining After Exposure--Part II
David Katzman, MD
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I am sure many of you have had the opportunity to quarantine for 14 days after exposure to someone who is COVID positive. Since the onset of the pandemic, the CDC has recommended that if one had a meaningful COVID exposure, defined as a 15 minute exposure within 6 feet of a COVID positive individual, they should quarantine for 2 weeks, given the variable incubation period of 2-14 days.
This changed rather dramatically last week. The CDC now recommends 3 possible scenarios:
- People who have no symptoms can end quarantine after 10 days.
OR
- People who are symptom-free since exposure and have a negative test taken on day 5, 6, or 7 after exposure can end the quarantine on day 7.
OR
- People who develop symptoms can end their quarantine 10 days after developing symptoms.
With either case, continued close monitoring of symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, and alterations of taste or smell should continue through day 14.
In addition, strict adherence to social distancing, mask wearing, limiting close contact with others, and avoiding gatherings and public places is strongly recommended through day 14.
We agree and support the CDC’s new recommendations. We especially recommend remaining vigilant and diligent through day 14 of your exposure. We are always available to answer any quarantining questions and arrange any testing (if available) if the 7-day quarantine is preferred.
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New CDC Guidelines for Quarantine
Jennifer DeLaney, MD |
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Given the rapid rise in cases of COVID-19 nationwide and our filling hospitals, it is crucial to be vigilant in avoiding exposure to COVID-19 infection. The CDC now recommends wearing a mask whenever you are indoors with people who you do not live with. This means no dinners, cocktails, or maskless gatherings with friends, coworkers, or family members outside of your household. This is particularly important leading up to the holidays when extended families would normally gather. Dr Katzman and I have seen a sharp uptick in new infections and hospitalizations since Thanksgiving. The hospitals are overwhelmed. Please cancel any in-person indoor plans you have until cases have declined and/or widespread vaccination has occurred.
Also, given the number of families with one or more family members at home with COVID-19 infection we recommend the following measures to prevent transmission to the uninfected family members:
- Create a negative pressure room for the sick person by placing a running box fan pointing into their room and cracking a window.
- Place HEPA filters in their room or outside their room. These are becoming increasingly difficult to find however. Here are instructions on how to build your own using a box fan and furnace HEPA filters: How to Make Your Own HEPA Filter. Now you can breathe easy!
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COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
Jane Kozlowski, RN |
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We have received many calls regarding the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some answers to your questions:
Where is the FDA in the approval process?
The FDA will be holding final reviews of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by an outside advisory committee on December 10 and December 17. If their applications are approved for emergency use, the vaccine will begin to be rolled out in phases.
When do we expect to receive the vaccine for distribution?
Our office has applied to be included on the list of providers able to distribute the vaccine and are working with the Missouri Department of Health to meet the requirements. Please be advised however, that if we qualify, we will only be allowed to give the vaccine to those in the high-risk populations until cleared by Missouri to distribute practice-wide in the final phase as explained below. We have not been given a concrete date of when we may receive the vaccine as the logistics are still being worked out statewide.
Who will be able to receive the vaccine?
Since supply will be limited initially, the vaccine will be distributed in phases with healthcare personnel and staff along with long-term care facilities being the first to receive it in phase 1A. Phase 1B will consist of other essential workers and high-risk populations. While we value every one of our patients, we will be required to submit legal documentation to the state registry in order for someone to be included in one of these first phases and will be unable to circumvent these regulations. Once these populations have had the opportunity to receive the vaccine, and as supply increases, the vaccine will then be open to all Missouri residents (except children and pregnant women as the safety has not been established in these groups yet.) We expect this final wave won’t happen until March.
We will keep you updated as any new developments are made! |
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Appointment Procedure:
As a reminder, when you arrive for your appointment, either for an office visit or a lab draw, please call our office from your car before coming in. We'll let you know if it's ok to head in or if you need to wait just a bit. This allows us to manage traffic flow and properly sanitize rooms between patients. When you've been cleared to come in, please wait in the hall right outside our door. One of us will meet you there to take your temperature. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy! |
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