Lake Oconee COVID-19 Update

Now Offering

Telemedicine Visits

Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine now has telemedicine appointments for

sick visits, especially for patients with fever, cough, shortness of breath. In addition telemedicine services are available for routine well visits, and for follow ups for patients that wish to stay at home.

Contact the office to schedule a telemedicine visit, or to change your existing appointment to a telemedicine visit. Patients need a cell phone or laptop / computer with camera.

(706)484-0884

Who Has Vaccine Appointments Available?

A Note From Dr. Gater & Dr. Richardson

Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine will be providing COVID vaccinations as soon as we receive allotments from the Georgia Department of Public Health. When we receive the vaccine, we will send out an e-mail and call eligible patients to schedule an appointment for vaccination. For more information and weekly updates on available vaccine locations, be sure to regularly visit our website.

For Week 2/22-2/28

CVS: No
Ingles: No
Kroger: No
Publix: No
Walgreens: Yes (Milledgeville)
Walmart: Yes ( Eatonton)

Safe Holiday Travel

Additional Information

Dr. Richardson and Dr. Gater want everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday season. In light of the current surge in COVID cases, we would like to provide advice and information regarding safe holiday travel and gathering. The CDC has advised against Thanksgiving travel and gatherings of more than 10 people. We know these are difficult times and that being with family is important. If you choose to gather for the holidays, please try to adhere to the following:

Wear A Mask THE ENTIRE TIME at the gathering (YES, inside or outside) when not eating or drinking
Try to sit 4-6 feet apart from others while eating and drinking
If you are hosting, set up multiple tables where people can social distance 4-6 feet while eating and drinking
Avoid taking off mask to take photos
Wash / disinfect hands frequently
Avoid hugging, kissing; instead use elbow bumps
Consider having a COVID test prior to travel / gathering especially if you are high risk or will be around high risk individuals
- Call Office 706-484-9824 to schedule drive up test

We have included additional CDC guidelines and information below. Please take the time to read and plan ahead for a safe holiday!

Learn More

To prepare for the upcoming winter season we have a a recipe to help build immune system! In addition our metagenics website we offer the following supplements that will also be a great help:

- Immune Active

-Immune defense Pack. Shop the link below!

Immune Cocktail Recipe

Zinc 60 mg dalily
Vitamin C 1,000 IU daily
Vitamin D 5,000 IU daily
*Optional, add elderberry 1 teaspoon daily

Shop Now

Before You Travel

Before you travel, consider the following:

Is COVID-19 spreading at your destination?
The more cases at your destination, the more likely you are to get infected during travel and spread the virus to others when you return.
- Check Each State’s Cases in the Last 7 Days

https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#cases_casesper100klast7days

Travel Recommendations for Destinations Around the World

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html

Do you live with or are you visiting someone who might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?
If you get infected you can spread the virus to loved ones during travel and when you return, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Are you at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19?
Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19, but older adults and people of any age with diabetes, heart disease, COPD, asthma, lung disease or immunocompromised state are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Does your destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers?
Some state, local, and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks and requiring those who recently traveled to stay home for up to 14 days. Check state, territorial, tribal and local public health websites for information before you travel https://www.cdc.gov/publichealthgateway/healthdirectories/healthdepartments.html

If traveling by air, get tested with a viral test and check if your airline requires any health information other documents.
Are you traveling by air?
If you are traveling by air, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before getting on a plane and plan to get tested with a viral test 2–5 days after your flight. Testing 1-3 days before and 2–5 days after travel may reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when combined with everyday precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing, it can make travel safer by reducing spread on planes and in airports and at travelers’ destinations.

If You Travel

During your trip, take steps to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

Wear a mask to keep your nose and mouth covered when in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Avoid close contact by staying at least 6 feet apart (about 2 arm lengths) from anyone who is not from your household.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
Avoid contact with anyone who is sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Considerations for Types of Travel

Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. Your chances of getting COVID-19 while traveling also depend on whether you and those around you take steps to protect yourself and others, such as wearing masks and staying 6 feet away from people outside your household (social distancing). Airports, bus stations, train stations, and rest stops are all places travelers can be exposed to the virus in the air and on surfaces. These are also places where it can be hard to social distance. In general, the longer you are around a person with COVID-19, the more likely you are to get infected.

Anticipate Your Travel Needs

Pack hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Keep this within reach.
Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip.
Pack food and water in case restaurants and stores are closed, or if drive-through, take-out, and outdoor-dining options aren’t available.
If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, see CDC’s guidance on how to clean and disinfect.
If traveling by air, get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before you get on a plane and plan to get tested 2–5 days after your flight. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel. You may be asked for them.
For 14 days before you travel, take everyday precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing, and avoid activities that put you at higher risk for COVID-19.

Air Travel

Air travel requires spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people and frequently touched surfaces. Most viruses and other germs do not spread easily on flights because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes. However, social distancing is difficult on crowded flights, and sitting within 6 feet of others, sometimes for hours, may increase your risk of getting COVID-19.

WEAR AN N-95 MASK ON THE AIRPLANE AND IN THE AIRPORT
BRING BLEACH WIPES OR PAPERTOWELS SOAKED IN MIXTURE OF ½ WATER / ½ HYDROGEN PEROXIDE TO WIPE SEATS AND SURFACES
IF POSSIBLE FLY FIRST CLASS OR COMFORT CLASS (LIMITED SEATING / EXPOSURE)
IF POSSIBLE FLY DELTA AIRLINES OR SOUTHWEST (SOUTHWEST THROUGH DECEMBER 1ST) THESE AIRLINES ARE BLOCKING MIDDLE SEATS

Please note that masks with exhalation valves are not allowed on aircraft, although you can wear a cloth mask over and that is acceptable.

For more comfortable mask while traveling, consider purchasing ENVO mask

www.envomask.com This mask is an N95 grade mask that suctions to your face and is adjustable for comfortable wear all day.

For air travel, recommend that you:

Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before you get on a plane and 2–5 days after your flight. Testing does not eliminate all risk, but when combined with everyday precautions like wearing masks, social distancing, and handwashing, it can make travel safer by reducing spread on planes and in airports and at travelers’ destinations.

Also consider how you get to and from the airport, as public transportation and ridesharing can increase your chances of being exposed to the virus.

Find out more

Addiitonal Travel Options

Bus or Train Travel

Traveling on buses and trains for any length of time can involve sitting or standing within 6 feet of others, which may increase your risk of getting COVID-19.

Car Travel

Bus or Train Travel

Making stops along the way for gas, food, or bathroom breaks can put you and your traveling companions in close contact with other people and frequently-touched surfaces.

RV Travel

Bus or Train Travel

RV Travel

You may have to stop less often for food or bathroom breaks, but RV travel usually means staying at RV parks overnight and getting gas and supplies at other public places. These stops may put you and those with you in the RV in close contact with others.

Know When to Delay your Travel to Avoid Spreading COVID-19

People who are sick, have recently tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, or have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 should delay travel. You should delay travel for 10 days after exposure to someone with COVID or 14 days if you experience ANY COVID symptoms.

What Symptoms to Watch For

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are

Fever
Cough
Headaches
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Nausea
Diarrhea

Other symptoms are signs of serious illness. If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty staying awake, get medical care immediately.

Tips to avoid getting & spreading COVID-19 in common travel

In public:

Bathrooms and rest stops:

Wear a mask in public settings, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from anyone who is not from your household.

Bathrooms and rest stops:

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom and after you have been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

Getting gas:

Bathrooms and rest stops:

Getting gas:

Use disinfecting wipes on handles and buttons at the gas pumps before you touch them (if available).
After fueling, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. When you get to your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds..

Hotels and accommodations:

Check the hotel’s COVID-19 prevention practices before you go

Use options for online reservation and check-in, mobile room key, and contactless payment.
Before you go, call and ask if all staff are wearing masks at work.
Look for any extra prevention practices being implemented by the hotel, such as plexiglass barriers at check-in counters, and physical distancing signs in the lobby.
Ask if the hotel has updated policies about cleaning and disinfecting or removing frequently touched surfaces and items (such as pens, room keys, tables, phones, doorknobs, light switches, elevator buttons, water fountains, ATMs/card payment stations, business center computers and printers, ice/vending machines, and remote controls).

Wear masks and limit close contact with others

Wear a mask in the lobby or other common areas.
Minimize use of areas that may lead to close contact (within 6 feet) with other people as much as possible, like break rooms, outside patios, inside lounging areas, dining areas/kitchens, game rooms, pools, hot tubs, saunas, spas, salons, and fitness centers.
Consider taking the stairs. Otherwise wait to use the elevator until you can either ride alone or only with people from your household.

Choose contactless options, when possible

Request contactless delivery for any room service order.
If you are considering cleaning your travel lodgings, recommend you bring supplies to clean / disinfect any needed areas.

How to Clean and Disinfect

Additional Information

Hard (Non-porous) Surfaces

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Gloves should be discarded after each cleaning. If reusable gloves are used, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection products used. Clean hands immediately after gloves are removed.
Bleach wipes are easiest to travel with but if not available can prepare bleach solution or hydrogen peroxide solution and use paper towels
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:
- 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) of 5.25–8.25% bleach per gallon of room temperature water or
- 4 teaspoons of 5.25–8.25% bleach per quart of room temperature water
Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
Hydrogen peroxide solution mix ½ and ½ with water
Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used.

Food Stops

The safest option is to bring your own food. If you don’t bring your own food, use drive-through, delivery, take-out, and curb-side pick-up options.

February 2021

Dr. Richardson and Dr. Gater want to make sure you are continually informed with constant updates on Coronavirus. We want to reassure our patients that our office is prepared and it is our goal to provide you the most current information and health recommendations.

If you follow the recommendations that we provide, your risk of exposure and contracting the virus will remain low. Please read the updated information and watch our Facebook Live video to stay informed.

Coronavirus cases are still increasing throughout Georgia and there are currently several cases within our community. Many of these cases were not able to be traced back to a specific source which means that the virus is circulating through unknown persons somewhere within our community. Many of these infected persons are asymptomatic so it is crucial to continue with social distancing practices. Nursing Homes / Assisted Living are especially affected.

Coronavirus Testing

Our office now has Rapid COVID-19 Test

Rapid Testing:

Rapid Test checks for antibodies (the body's immune response to the virus)
Rapid Test checks for IgM antibody which indicates current, active infection
Rapid Test checks for IgG antibody which indicates previous infection / current immunity
Rapid Test is a finger prick blood test, Results are available in 15-20 minutes
Rapid Test is not covered by insurance, current cost $50. As demand increases, often the cost to obtain test increases. We will try to keep cost as low as possible so that it is widely available to everyone

How to Interpret Test Results

If Control Line (C) is present and IgM / IgG lines absent, the test is negative
- No current infection or immunity
If Control Line (C) is present and IgM line is present / IgG line absent, the test is positive
- Indicates current, active Coronavirus infection

If Control Line (C) is present and IgM line / IgG line both present, the test is positive
Indicates, current resolving infection with developing immunity
If Control Line (C) is present and IgM line is absent / IgG line is present, the test is "positive"
Indicates previous infection and current immunity against Coroavirus

Testing Update:

Testing has become more widely available, patients with mild "cold-like" symptoms can be tested
Fingerstick Rapid testing or Nasal swab tests are available
Lake Oconee Concierge Medicine had testing available through multiple companies; due to large backlogs, we have shifted away from LabCorps and Quest and are using companies with faster turn around times
The test is a swab from the nose and mouth and takes approximately 4-5 days for results to return.
Hospitals continue to have a VERY LIMITED supply of tests and are only testing critically ill patients that have been approved by Georgia Department of Health for tests.

Testing Process:

If you are asymptomatic but want to know if you have immunity to Coronavirus then a rapid test can tell you if you are immune
- Rapid Test is a finger stick test that takes 15-20 minutes to result
If you have signs and symptoms of Coronavirus: cough, fever (temp over 100.5), shortness of breath The office will set up a telemedicine visit to evaluate your symptoms
- If able please check your temp and keep a log for review
If you would like to be tested, the office will set up a time for you to come by for "drive thru test"
- Please allow up to 30 minutes for "drive through" test
- You will remain in your vehicle and may have a flu swab will be performed by office staff be
- Rapid flu test takes 10-15 minutes to result
- Rapid COVID test takes 15-20 minutes to result
- Nasal swab COVID test takes on average 48 hours to result (may take longer over weekend
Nasal swab testing is covered by insurance or for self-pay individuals the lab is reimbursed by the government
ANY symptomatic individual MUST self quarantine at home until results from test return

Preventing Spread

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home if you are sick. Avoid going out in public. Call the office for a telemedicine visit.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with Lysol, disinfectant wipes, bleach, Simple Green, Hydrogen peroxide or Vinegar. Mix 1/2 cup bleach with gallon of hot water. Mix Hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar half and half with hot water and place in spray bottle or use to wipe down surfaces.
Carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol with you.
Use disinfectant wipes to clean shopping carts at grocery stores / shopping store
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
Wear a face mask (that covers your nose and mouth)
- If you develop symptoms
- If you are caring for someone who is sick / has symptoms
- If you are traveling Dr. Gater recommends taking a mask and hand sanitizer with you. Recommend wearing mask in airport, on airplane, and if while riding in taxi, limo, Lyft, Uber
- You can purchase a simple face mask from the drug store or online
- If you have trouble finding protective masks, call our office and if supplies permit we may provide you with one
Take Elderberry syrup (Sambucus). It is not known whether Elderberry is effective against the coronovirus but it has been shown to kill other viruses including flu and strengthen immunity.
- Take 1 tablespoon (15ml) daily for prevention / increasing immune system.
- If you feel ill or experience symptoms then increase dose to 1 tablespoon (15ml) three times a day

Anti-viral Treatment / Potential Drugs to treat COVID-19

Hydroxychloroquine, (also known as Plaquenil) is an anti-malarial drug that has made recent news as a potential treatment for Coronavirus. Dr. Gater and Dr. Richardson have reviewed the literature on potential COVID-19 treatments and have summarized the information as follows:

There are NO current medications that have been proven to effectively treat Coronavirus
For positive patients, Drs. Richardson and Gater will determine if benefit of treatment outweighs risk on an individual, case by case basis
Hydroxychloroquine may be considered for treatment of certain patients
Two studies with very small patient numbers demonstrate promise in treating pneumonia in hospitalized patients with Coronavirus
- A recent published study of 100 COVID-19 positive patients in China with pneumonia reported that patients treated with choloroquine showed improved pneumonia and shortened disease course
  - Chloroquine is another anti-malarial drug similar to Hydroxychloroquine
- A recent unpublished study the "Marseille study" of 20 patients in France were treated with Hydroxychloroquine (+/- Azithromycin) showed decreased amounts of virus and in some cases, no detectable virus after 6 days
  - Study did not look at outcomes such as improved pneumonia or shortened disease course
  - All patients were hospitalized and monitored with EKG's due to risk of heart rhythm complications
The results in these small studies represent an idea that these medicines may be helpful, but larger blinded studies are needed to confirm these findings
Hydroxychloroquine does have side effects and in rare cases can cause eye damage leading to irreversible loss of vision
Hydroxycholorquine also interacts with many other medications which in combination could cause life threatening heart rhythm issues

Remdesivir (a combination anti-viral drug that has been used to treat HIV) has shown in test tube (in vitro) studies to be effective against Coronavirus. However, a recent published study of 199 patients from China showed that the drug did not improve survival or speed recovery. The World Health Organization has formed a multi-country clinical study named SOLIDARITY to test multiple treatments.

For more information visit:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Learn More

For more information, listen to Dr. Anthony Fauci Director National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease

Find out more