S1 Ep31: Keeping Safe During Omicron

COVID-19 FAQ: Testing, Immunity, and Masking When to test: Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. Stay home while awaiting results. Contact your PCP if unsure about testing. Fully vaccinated and boosted individuals don't need to quarantine, but should wear a mask for 10 days. Antigen vs. PCR tests: PCR tests are more accurate, detecting the virus even at low levels, as early as one day post-symptom or a few days post-exposure. Antigen tests require a high viral load for a positive result. Immunity after COVID: Most people develop some immunity, but its duration is unknown. Vaccination and boosting are still crucial. Wait to vaccinate until symptoms resolve and isolation criteria are met. When to test after exposure: Test five days after exposure or if symptoms appear. Testing after vaccination: Get tested if you experience symptoms to protect others. Re-testing after positive: No need to re-test for 90 days unless new symptoms appear and no other cause is identified. Masking after vaccination: Masks are required indoors due to Omicron's easy spread. Maintain 6 feet distance outdoors. Critical care guidelines: Federal guidelines exist for severe COVID-19 care. Oregon hospitals may face staff shortages. OHA provides tools for fair care decisions based on medical evidence, not non-medical status. Preventing hospital strain: Get vaccinated and boosted (5+ for vaccines, 12+ for boosters). Stay home if sick, maintain distance, wash hands, and disinfect shared surfaces. Use ER only for emergencies. For testing, call 2-1-1 or visit GetVaccinated.Oregon.gov. Local Vaccine Events (Jan 22-27): Jan 22, 11 AM - 4 PM: Rosewood Initiative, 16126 SE Stark St, Portland, OR Jan 25, 9 AM - 3 PM: Highland Haven, 7600 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR Jan 25, 2 PM - 8 PM: Lloyd Center, 1260 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR Jan 27, 8 AM - 2 PM: Lloyd Center, 1260 Lloyd Center, Portland, OR More events: multco.us/vaccineclinics. Accessibility: OHA provides information in alternate formats. Contact Health Information Center at 1-971-673-2411, 711 TTY, or [email protected].