By Becky Long
Publisher
You’re standing in line and the person in front of you is sneezing and coughing — uncomfortable for sure — leaves you feeling vulnerable. Most health officials believe the best protection for you and others is vaccinations.
Clay County Health Director Clarissa Rogers said in the past month they have seen a few flu A cases which is showing a slight increase in the state. “We have not seen any flu B yet,” Rogers said.
Regarding COVID, Rogers reported good news on that front. The health department has not seen any laboratory positive cases of COVID in their testing.
“Both Flu and COVID cases remain low in North Carolina. Although, on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ dashboard, influenza rates have increased slightly,” Rogers said.
People have choices when it comes to obtaining vaccinations from family care practices, to pharmacies, to the health department, access to vaccines particularly flu and COVID can be easily accessed.
Rogers said individuals can schedule an appointment to be seen for a sick visit. The provider will evaluate them and provide testing as necessary.
“This is especially important for individuals who would like to utilize antiviral therapy as an early intervention strategy for COVID or the flu,” she said. “Patients can discuss their options with the provider, should they have positive results.”
COVID/flu testing is $25 and both can be provided in one test. Vaccine costs are not based on income. The health department will bill most insurances to cover the cost.
“We have that testing ability here at the health department,” Rogers said. “Our testing has a dual option, in which we can test patients for both at once. Since the symptoms of each virus can mimic the other, this is a great option. This is also a great option because patients only have to be swabbed once, intranasal, for the testing.”
The health department will bill most insurances, according to Rogers. Regarding those who are uninsured the cost of the visit will vary depending on where they fall on their sliding fee scale.
There are options for eligible children up to the age of 18. The Vaccines for Children Program provides, at no cost, all CDC-recommended vaccines included in the pediatric immunization schedule, as approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
Rogers also noted, “Patients can ask to speak to financial when they schedule to see where they may fall on the scale (income based — including accounting for the number of individuals in the household).
If the visit does include laboratory testing, that fee is due at the time of service and is not discounted on the sliding fee scale.
In addition to flu and COVID, there are other viruses of which to be aware. Rogers said the health department has seen an increase in viral upper respiratory illnesses in patients.
“I will also note that the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, an NCDHHS Dashboard, also monitors RSV-like illnesses. There has been a minimal increase in those ER visits — per data. We are still early in the respiratory season so anything can change,” Rogers said.
When asked if there are new strains of flu yet, Rogers noted counts still remain low throughout the state. “It is too early to tell just yet. Although, flu A does seem to be the dominant type of influenza seen so far.”
“One of the best ways to prevent viral illness is to make sure you are up to date on your vaccinations. We have vaccines for flu, COVID and RSV,” Rogers said. “Call and schedule an appointment today.”
The health department can be reached at (828) 389-8431.