Omicron Update

Dear Member,

The past few weeks has been quite challenging for all in our area. Omicron is hitting 1 in 4 NYCers. Since our earlier email regarding postponement of annual physicals due to the surge we have been inundated with COVID testing, cases, monitoring and immunizations. Our priority has been to be available to all our members who need immediate access to COVID testing, management, boosters, or other urgent health care issues. Like all healthcare facilities we are also affected by staff shortages due to the reality of COVID. Our goal is to continue to maintain the safety of our patients and staff. For the next few weeks, we will be continuing to defer scheduling of any non-urgent visits (other than for COVID-19 immunizations and boosters).  We are also asking that if you test positive at home with COVID-19 with an at home test and have symptoms, there is no need to see us to confirm it with a PCR test (unless you are high risk and can benefit from the new antivirals and monoclonal antibodies). This puts others at risk of exposure unnecessarily. Virtual visits are available for those with questions about positive COVID-19 results. Deferring non-urgent visits will help free up staff members and resources toward the care of COVID-19 patients and others who urgently need medical care. We greatly appreciate your patience with these temporary changes and the cooperation everyone has been giving. 

We have heard from Capsule pharmacy that they have home tests available (hopefully this still holds true! We are not at all affiliated with them). They will deliver to you via messenger by calling or texting them at 212-675-3900. They have Flowflex antigen tests and sell 2 for $35. There have been some reports out of UK and South Africa that for home tests it’s best to first swab the back of the throat prior to each nostril for omicron detection. The study stated it showed up positive on average 1 day prior than just with a nasal swab. Caveat is that it was a very small study but can’t hurt to do. Use the same swab, throat first, then nostrils.

There are reports from South Africa that the Omicron wave there crested after four weeks, a much shorter timeframe than experienced in previous waves. If that holds true here, we will see this wave crest in mid to late January. It will be challenging until that happens, but we are confident that we will cope with it just as we did previous waves if we stick together, take care of each other, and keep ourselves safe. 

All pandemics end and so too shall this one. And hopefully soon. Stay safe and get boostered if you’re not already! 

Sincerely, 
Flatiron Family Medical.
@flatironfamily