Diablo

In Midst of Tridemic, Local Health Providers Join to Help Contra Costans Understand When to Reach Out to Doctors, Hospitals

New Webpage Offers Tips, Insights to Help People Make Best Decisions

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, January 17, 2023 – Battling the triple threat of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) people of all ages are finding themselves sick as this “Tridemic” rages on. With emergency rooms and hospital beds filling up, Contra Costa Health and Kaiser Permanente have partnered to launch a public health education campaign to inform the community about simple self-care recovery tips and virtual treatment options for common illnesses.

“By partnering with Contra Costa Health, we bolster our efforts to disseminate critical health tips to our members and many others throughout the community,” said Dr. Sharon Mowat, pediatrician and physician-in-chief for the Kaiser Permanente Diablo Service Area. “If we can help people safely recover from the comfort of their homes, we can also lessen the extremely long wait times that people are seeing in the overcrowded doctors’ offices and emergency rooms throughout our community.”

The two organizations created a webpage in English and Spanish, with information and resources about how people can recover from illnesses and access care from the comfort of their homes. If people have urgent or immediate concerns, they are encouraged to call an advice nurse or doctor’s office for guidance and virtual appointments by phone or video. Contra Costa Health Plan members and people who don’t have health coverage can call the advice nurse at (877) 661-6230. Kaiser Permanente members can call the advice nurse at (866) 454-8855.

Hospitals and ambulances are especially impacted during the winter virus season, so Contra Costa Health and Kaiser Permanente caution people to only call 911 or go to the hospital if their need for care is truly an emergency.

“The good news is most people who get sick can safely recover from home,” said Dr. Sofe’ Mekuria, deputy health officer for Contra Costa Health. “We want people to know the home care options available to them and know how to prepare themselves so they can recover quickly and safely if they get sick.”

Health recommendations include staying home when sick, getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids and separating from others to avoid spreading illnesses. For peace of mind, people are encouraged to stock their medicine cabinets with items including over-the-counter cold/flu medicines to reduce fever and pain, saline spray or drops, cough syrups and lozenges, and COVID-19 home tests.

In addition to the webpage, a communications toolkit with digital graphics and handouts is also available for local schools, businesses and community organizations to share with their members.

To learn more about getting better when you’re sick, visit www.coronavirus.cchealth.org/get-care.

We have updated the visitation guidance for hospital and ambulatory settings based on the most recent public health order by the CDPH to include the key changes below:

Hospitals and clinics may now allow all patients to have visitors without restriction.

Visitors are no longer required to show proof of vaccination or of negative COVID-19 test result to visit their family or friends in the hospital.

Effective April 3, 2023, per updated guidance from the California Department of Public Health, masks are no longer required at Kaiser Permanente facilities, except where mandated by governmental and regulatory agencies or our local infection prevention experts. Patients and visitors should check themselves for common COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering our facilities and can continue to request and voluntarily use masks as a recommended tool to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory-like illnesses.

View detailed information for this area >

Most of the time, you can use an easy and reliable no-cost home antigen test for your COVID-19 testing needs. Not sure which COVID-19 test is right for you? See our guidelines on choosing the right COVID-19 test.

For those times that you need an in-person COVID-19 PCR test as directed by your doctor or if you are attending an event or activity that specifically requires a negative PCR test result, you can now get a rapid PCR test with results in approximately 2 hours at our convenient Northern California Kaiser Permanente testing locations. No appointment is needed and there is no cost.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a no cost flu shot. For your safety and convenience, flu vaccinations are available for adults and children, 6 months and older. Many locations also offer the COVID-19 vaccine and booster. Please get vaccinated – it’s your best defense against serious health risks this season, and now more than ever, it’s important to stay safe and stop the spread.

Member Vaccination Information: kp.org/flu

Flu shot dates and locations are subject to change. Before you go, visit kp.org/flu or call 1-800-573-5811 for the most up-to-date information and answers to frequently asked questions.

Please note:
We anticipate high demand for flu vaccinations in some areas. To minimize your wait times, help ease vehicle congestion, and ensure the safety of those visiting our facilities, please follow these guidelines when coming for your flu shot:

• Before you go, check to see if your vaccine location requires an appointment.
• Bring a photo ID and your Kaiser Permanente member ID card.
• Wear a mask and short sleeves.
• Do not block fire zones, disabled parking spaces, or any facility entrances.
• Practice social distancing and stand 6 feet apart.
• Members may also receive a flu vaccine during a scheduled care appointment at any of our locations.