Aviva Health Omicron Variant FAQs

The COVID-19 Omicron variant is now in Douglas County. While it seems to cause less severe disease, it is more contagious so more people will become ill from it. We expect to see higher rates of severe disease and hospitalization because of these higher numbers. 

Douglas County Health officials have established a hotline (541) 464-6550 if you have questions. The hotline is staffed by health care professionals who can answer questions from the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days per week.  

These FAQs are meant to help you sort out information and make good decisions. 

 

If I am exposed to COVID-19 or sick, what do I do? 

If you do not have symptoms, you should continue to use the standard precautions of masking, handwashing and distancing. During this COVID-19 surge, which may last through February, you should consider staying away from crowds unless necessary. 

If you have mild symptoms, like a cold or mild flu, stay home until you are better. You probably do not need to test. Just treat yourself well at home and monitor for more serious illness. 

If you have a fever, some trouble breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty drinking water or walking, call your primary care provider (PCP), even before going to the Emergency Department. Only go to the Emergency Department or call 911 if it is an actual emergency (chest pain, extreme difficulty breathing, traumatic injury, or signs of stroke). If you do not have a health care provider, call the DPHN hotline at (541) 464-6550 for advice. 

 

Can I get tested for COVID-19? 

Aviva operates an appointment-only, drive-through testing service Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to the current COVID-19 surge and decreased availability of testing supplies, Aviva Health is following OHA’s guidelines to prioritize COVID-19 testing for people who absolutely need it. If you have questions about testing, please call (541) 492-2067.

 

Can I still get vaccinated for COVID-19? 

For most people, yes. Vaccination is the best way to help your body fight off severe disease and avoid hospitalization and other severe COVID -19 effects. 

Again, call the DPHN hotline at (541) 464-6550 for advice. 

Aviva operates an appointment-only vaccine clinic Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Click here to schedule an appointment. If you are unsure you are currently eligible for a vaccination, please call (541) 492-2067.  

 

What are the symptoms of the COVID-19 virus? 

COVID-19 causes many different symptoms. The main ones to watch out for are fever, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. If you find yourself short of breath or having difficulty with your balance (not walking well), you might require treatment. 

Questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I have a fever?
  • Do I have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea?
  • Do I have difficulty taking a full breath?
  • Am I light-headed, having difficulty with balance, or walking?
  • Am I able to keep water down?

If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, please call your PCP or the DPHN hotline at (541) 464-6550 for advice. Only call 911 or go to the Emergency Department if you are experiencing a true emergency. 

 

What is my risk of getting COVID-19?  

Your risk of becoming ill from COVID-19 depends on your exposure to the virus. We recommend taking the steps listed below to decrease your risk of infection.  

 

What is the best advice to lower my chances of contracting COVID-19? 

The best way to avoid or lessen the severity of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and boosted when possible. This in combination with the other logical steps below is your best bet to get through this and avoid serious illness. 

Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others (aka “social distancing”). 

Wear a legitimate medical mask when around others. Relying on scarves, face shields or cloth gaiters, while better than nothing, has not shown to be as effective as a medical face mask. 

When you go out in public, keep away from others as much as possible. Limit close contact and wash your hands often. 

Avoid crowds as much as possible. 

Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel. 

During a COVID-19 outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed. 

 

Who is most at risk? 

The Omicron variant has changed this profile. Before, it was primarily older adults at highest risk. Now, we are seeing more kids with COVID-19. Older adults and those with chronic disease remain at higher risk, especially if they are unvaccinated. 

 

Is there a preferred public information platform? How will the public be kept informed? 

Public Health Officer for Douglas County, Dr. Robert Dannenhoffer, will provide updates in press releases through FlashAlert, through the Douglas Public Health Network Twitter and Facebook pages, and at www.douglaspublichealthnetwork.org.  

DPHN’s call center hotline, (541) 464-6550, is another good resource. The call center is staffed with health care professionals who can answer questions from the public. Call center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week until further notice. 

Should people who can work from home do so at this time? 

Generally, yes. There are certain types of workers, like health care personnel, who have different return-to-work requirements. Talk with your employer to determine your situation. 

 

I am over the age of 50 or I have health issues … should I go to work? 

People at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 include older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. To determine your level of risk, talk to your PCP. Depending on your level of risk and your type of work, you may want to discuss the possibility of working from home, working a shift with less people, or other accommodations with your employer. Staying home will reduce your risk of being exposed.  

 

Should we all be wearing masks? 

Yes, wear a medical face mask while in public and in close contact with others. 

Relying on scarves, face shields or cloth gaiters, while better than nothing, has not been shown to be as effective as a medical face mask. 

 

What are Douglas County’s plans for handling COVID-19? 

The medical community throughout Douglas County meets regularly to get updated about COVID-19 status in the area, share specific situations, and develop region-wide plans for a coordinated emergency response. This effort is supported by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, Douglas Public Health Network, CHI Mercy Medical Center, Lower Umpqua Hospital, VA Roseburg Health Care, Umpqua Health Alliance, Aviva Health, Evergreen Family Medicine, Cow Creek Health and Wellness, Adapt Integrated Health Care, and others providing services to patients. 

 

Is it safe to open packages from China or other foreign countries? 

Yes. 

 

Do we have enough ventilators, ICU beds, and oxygen tanks in Douglas County? How many intensive care beds do we have? How many are available right now?  

Yes, currently. It is important we all do our part to stay out of the hospital system unless necessary. Stay home if you are mildly ill. Call your PCP or DPHN for advice if you have questions.   

 

Are the current vaccines effective?  

Vaccination has been demonstrated time and again to be safe and effective in reducing severe disease and keeping people out of the hospital and alive.   

The current formulations of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines do have effectiveness against the current Omicron variant and past variants. 

There are conflicting reports about the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on the Omicron variant. Because of this, if you are receiving a booster and had Johnson & Johnson vaccine for your first shot, we are recommending a booster with one of the other two. But it is your choice if you want to receive the Johnson & Johnson booster. 

 

I read that gargling vinegar water cures the virus before it gets to your lungs. Is that true? What other treatments are available for Covid-19?  

There are many unproven treatments for COVID -19, mostly on social media. The theories range from eating mud to the vinegar gargle to a medicine used for intestinal parasites (worms). We recognize people want easy solutions. But before avoiding what has been scientifically proven to work (the COVID-19 vaccines) for something unproven (gargling vinegar), we strongly suggest you speak with your PCP. 

There are promising new treatments authorized for emergency use by the FDA. They are used worldwide and have been proven effective and low risk compared to the risk of COVID-19 disease. These range from monoclonal antibody infusions (IVs or shots) to newer pills. These are all promising, but they are not widely available yet. Your PCP will know whether you should consider one of these therapies. 

 

Should I panic?  

This is serious but there isn’t a need to panic. The Omicron variant will sicken many people, but it’s expected the illness will be milder than what we have seen in the past. 

Take precautions (stay home, mask, distance, handwashing). You should also limit travel and going out in public.   

 

Should I keep my appointment to donate blood?  

The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood-drive cancellations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are a healthy individual, we encourage you to continue donating lifesaving blood.  

If you are at high risk of complications from COVID-19 (over age 65, chronic medical conditions etc.), have a conversation with your PCP about what level of social distancing you should be doing. Donating blood at the Red Cross office may have less risk of exposure than donating blood in the smaller donation bus.  

The U.S. surgeon general has said, “You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.” 

  

Where can I find more information:  

Douglas Public Health Network 

Follow the Douglas Public Health Network on Facebook  

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 Resources 

 Oregon Health Authority 

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