Evelina St Entrance - Now Open!
- Information re latest vaccine availability.
- Information for Covid-positive patient appointments.
- Information re new fee schedule.
- To prevent cross-infection of other patients and our staff with airborne infections (including flu and Covid) – patients and others aged 8 years and over must wear a face mask in the practice building.
Prevention and management of respiratory and airborne illness.
PREVENTION
Prevention of infection and/or repeat infection with significant respiratory pathogens (germs – viruses and bacteria) is very important – so get vaccinated and seek booster vaccines where possible and follow the principles of infection prevention – wear a mask in crowded settings, sanitise hands and ensure good ventilation of enclosed spaces (open windows – use HEPA filters if available).
AT HOME TESTING
Covid 19 (Sars Cov2): is a significant infection which affects multiple organ systems and in some cases (of any age) can cause serious illness and death and ongoing symptoms affecting lungs, heart, brain and other organs. Even mild illness can result in the syndrome of ‘Long Covid” which is more common in females than males.
Influenza: is another serious infection affecting the airways and other organ systems and government-funded and privately funded vaccination is available for ages 6 months and over. Bookings are available online and through reception.
RSV Respiratory syncytial virus: A vaccine is now available for adults aged 60 and over by prescription only.
RESPIRATORY TESTING and advice for patients
IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL 000
If you test negative on a RAT but have significant symptoms – contact the practice for advice regarding testing for respiratory illnesses by PCR, and further management.
ADVICE FOR OUR PATIENTS RE: Respiratory – case and contact management including Covid-19
The following information is based on our own risk assessment and reflects the first principles of prevention of infections which are airborne, to keep our patients and team members as safe as possible. It is general advice.
If you have symptoms – commence isolation. Take a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) if available. If positive – proceed to A.If negative and symptoms increase test again 24 hours later or book a PCR test at the practice which can include flu and other significant respiratory infections. If you have no access to a RAT then proceed to book a PCR.
If you have No symptoms – but have tested positive on a RAT you are a confirmed case and proceed to A.
A: Confirmed - Positive PCR or RAT (Covid, Flu or RSV)
Please contact the practice to notify your positive test as soon as possible and ask staff to book you a Telehealth appointment. One of our doctors will follow up and ensure you have supportive advice including assessment of your eligibility for antiviral medications and ensure your earliest access to medications for symptom relief.
- Isolate at home and rest for at least five days from the day you had your positive test.
- Notify your household, school, or employer.
- Perform another RAT day 5 if you have tested positive on a RAT. If negative – you can leave isolation, but we recommend you wear a mask in public settings to avoid contracting other respiratory infections until you feel fully recovered. However, when leaving home avoid visiting high risk settings until fully recovered.
- If you test positive stay at home until symptoms are gone and you have a negative RAT.
- If you still have symptoms at day 12 contact the practice for assessment for secondary infection. Always seek medical help if you become very unwell.
- We recommend you book a check-up 4 weeks after recovery.
B: Close Contact and Have Symptoms
- Stay at home and isolate from other family members and test with a RAT if available or book a PCR .
- if you test positive for COVID-19 (or flu or RSV) follow the advice in A. above
- if you test negative continue to stay at home isolating from other household members as much as possible, while you have respiratory symptoms, to avoid further infections within the household.
C: Close Contact with No Symptoms
- Take a RAT as soon as possible. If you test positive follow the instructions in A. above
- Consider wearing a mask indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated rooms until you are confident no symptoms have developed (2-4 days from exposure).
- If you develop symptoms do another RAT. If positive – see A. above. If negative – seek PCR testing.