'Looking for a COVID test?' and more

What's going on in health and wellness December 3 to 9

Posted 12/2/20

What's going on in health and wellness December 3 to 9

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'Looking for a COVID test?' and more

What's going on in health and wellness December 3 to 9

Posted

Looking for a COVID test?

HONESDALE, PA — Due to an increased demand for COVID testing in this holiday season, Wayne Memorial Hospital’s laboratory services is reminding patients that a prescription is still needed for COVID-19 testing. No appointment is required, but a prescription from a provider must still be presented in person or faxed to any of the hospital’s testing sites.

Unless there is an urgent medical reason for immediate processing, Wayne Memorial sends the PCR tests to LabCorps for analysis.

James Hockenbury, director of ancillary services added that most insurances, Medicare and public assistance will pay for a prescribed COVID-19 test if it fits within the diagnostic criteria: the patient is experiencing symptoms, has a recent history of exposure, or is in an area known to have a high COVID-19 rate. Individuals without insurance may be billed. At Wayne Memorial, the basic COVID-19 test costs $128.

For more information, visit www.wmh.org.

Time to get your flu shot

ALBANY, NY — The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is reminding older adults and caregivers about the importance of getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible. Flu season is already underway and can last as late as May. The flu shot is an essential preventive care service that should not be delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with the flu may also have respiratory symptoms without a fever. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. 

Getting a flu shot is particularly important for those at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, which can mimic flu symptoms. While the flu vaccine does not specifically protect against COVID-19, it is highly recommended to maintain overall health and protect against other respiratory illnesses.

To find a location near you to get a flu shot, visit www.vaccinefinder.org.

Wayne Memorial Hospital to suspend visitation

HONESDALE, PA — In view of similar COVID-safety precautions around the region, Wayne Memorial Hospital will once again close its doors to visitors except in special circumstances such as end-of-life or maternity.

As of November 25, no one other than staff and patients will be permitted to enter the Honesdale facility unless they meet certain criteria for exception. Emergency Department patients are not permitted a visitor unless they meet certain conditions. No visitors will be allowed in the Emergency Department waiting room; visitors will be asked to wait in their vehicles and provide a contact phone number for staff.

Everyone—patients, staff, approved visitors—must be masked upon entry.

For more, visit www.wmh.org.

flu shot, covid, Wayne Memorial Hospital, testing

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