Margaret Mary Health COVID-19 Update: 1.17.22
The soaring positivity rates across the state and within our community provide evidence that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is as highly contagious as Federal health officials warned. Last week nearly half of all patients tested at MMH were positive for COVID-19. We encourage those eligible for a booster shot to get one, as data from the CDC has shown that a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) increases the vaccine’s effectiveness against Omicron to about 75%.
Inpatient Care: We currently have 19 patients on our Med Surg floor, with 3 of those patients in our Special Care Unit. 8 of our patients are Covid+ (positive).
ER: Our ER continues to be busy. Please avoid going to the ER for COVID-19 testing. Many people with COVID will have mild symptoms and should rest at home, isolate, take ibuprofen/Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids. Other patients who may be at a higher risk will experience more moderate symptoms and should call their primary care provider for guidance. Patients with severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain or bluish lips should come to the ER immediately. To learn more about potential treatment options for COVID-19 click here: https://combatcovid.hhs.gov/possible-treatment-options-covid-19/i-have-covid-19
Testing: The percent of patients testing positive for COVID-19 reached a record high, with 49.5% of patients (174 in total) testing positive. Those who need to be tested for Covid-19 should contact their primary care provider for an outpatient test to be completed through our lab or schedule an appointment at a local testing site through coronavirus.in.gov. If you have mild symptoms or had a known exposure to someone with COVID-19, self-testing at home with an over-the-counter test is also a good option for fast results.
Vaccination: If you are not vaccinated or are eligible to receive your vaccine booster shot, please consider doing so. Vaccine appointments for everyone ages 5 and older can be scheduled Monday – Friday at the MMH Occupational Health and Wellness Center in Batesville at 812.932.5105. Vaccine appointments can also be made Monday – Friday at the Margaret Mary Health Center in Brookville at 765.647.5126. Walk-ins are also welcome in Brookville.