COVID-19
advice from the doctors at
Frontier Direct Care

COLD & FLU SEASON IS RAPIDLY APPROACHING

For the foreseeable future, COVID is going to be part of
our winter cold and flu season. Fortunately, the worst of the virus is behind us! Since so many of us have been infected with the virus or immunized against it, we fully expect a much milder season than what we have seen in the past 2 years.

Nevertheless, we wanted to share FDC’s tips and tricks for dealing with COVID so that we can all be as fully prepared as possible.

Watch this short video from Doc Lazz for more information on COVID this season.

WHAT TO DO
if you have been exposed to COVID-19
Reminder: COVID exposure occurs when you have been within 6 feet of someone who has
symptoms of COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more, in any 24 hour period.
IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD COVID BEFORE AND ARE NOT VACCINATED:
If you have not been infected with or vaccinated against COVID-19, and you have been exposed, then you should follow the next two steps:
1. QUARANTINE AT HOME

For 10 days from the date of exposure

Try to separate yourself from others in your home

Quarantine can end after 6 days if you take another COVID test with a negative result and no symptoms arise.

2. MONITOR YOUR SYMPTOMS

Fever higher than 100.4 degrees F

Cough/Shortness of breath

Loss of taste/smell

Nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea

If you develop any of the symptoms above, notify your Primary Care Provider to arrange for COVID testing.

Screen Shot 2022 08 30 at 10.20.09 AM
IF YOU HAVE HAD COVID BEFORE OR ARE VACCINATED:
If you have been infected or vaccinated against COVID-19, and you had a close-contact exposure, then you do not need to quarantine. However, if you do develop any of the symptoms below, you should contact your PCP to arrange for COVID testing.

Fever higher than 100.4 degrees F

Cough/Shortness of breath

Loss of taste/smell

Nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea

WHAT TO DO
if you have been exposed to COVID and start to experience symptoms
1. STAY AT HOME

Stay isolated from others, if possible.

If that’s not possible, wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands frequently.

3. IDENTIFY EXPOSURES

Identify any direct, confirmed exposures.

Ask: “Was I around anyone who tested positive within 48 hours of feeling symptomatic?”

“Was I around anyone who tested positive within 48hrs of the time they became symptomatic?”

“What day did they become symptomatic/test positive?”

“What day was I exposed to them?” 

2. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Schedule an appointment online with FDC.

Within 24 hours after you start to experience symptoms is the best time to see your Doctor.

4. TAKE *PROPHYLACTIC SUPPLEMENTS:

Vitamin D3 (5,000 IU/day)

Vitamin C (500-1,000 mg/twice a day)

Quercetin (250 mg/twice a day)

Zinc (100 mg/day)

If pregnant, please reach out to your provider directly before initiating the above protocol.

*Contact your Doctor to ask their recommended dosage for Prophylactic Supplements. If nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach occurs, reduce the dose of Vitamin C and Zinc in half. 

HOW COVID-19 TESTS WORK
There are two different types of viral tests.
ANTIGEN TEST

Done by using a swab inserted into each nostril

Tests for proteins found on the COVID-19 virus

Tests can be performed in about 20 minutes

Depending on when the test is done or how it is done, there can be a chance of a false negative. Your doctor may recommend a repeat test in a few days or a different type of test.
NAATS & PCR TESTS

Done in a laboratory

Tests for genetic material of the COVID-19 virus

Tests can take up to a few days to complete

These tests may be more accurate than the rapid antigen test. There is still a possibility that the test may need to be repeated if it is done too early.
WHAT ABOUT AT-HOME TESTS?
At home tests are a good option if you have been exposed, but aren’t showing
symptoms and want to make sure you weren’t infected. They can be found across
the Valley at your local pharmacies like RGV Hometown Pharmacy, Walgreens, CVS,
Amazon, and Walmart. Here are 3 tests to look for if you need to get one:
Abbott BinaxNow
Intrivo On/Go
Quidel QuickVue