COVID INFORMATION
FOR OUR OB PATIENTS
**UPDATED 12/28/21**

Dear Patient of FOWH,

Just hours after we sent this message yesterday, the guidelines from CDC changed!

Please note the yellow highlighted changes below.

If you are sick with COVID-19, think you might have COVID-19, or test positive:
  1. People who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.
  2. Stay home and take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better. Use steam or humidifiers to aid in breathing. Walking outdoors and getting fresh air can be helpful and is safe.
  3. Call us before you come to the office for any scheduled appt.
  4. OB patients 20 weeks or later can go to Labor and Delivery for urgent obstetric issues. They will do an antigen test upon arrival. CALL US FIRST.
  5. Call us or go to the Hospital for emergency warning signs such as:
  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
UPDATED BASED ON 12.27.21 CDC GUIDELINES

If you are exposed to someone with COVID or who tested positive and you are "boosted" (vaccinated plus booster), per the CDC:
  1. You do NOT need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless you have symptoms.
  2. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
  3. You should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. 
  4. Best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure.

If you are exposed to someone with COVID or who tested positive and you are NOT "boosted" or you are unvaccinated:
  1. CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.
  2. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure.
Additionally:
  1. The antigen test is a better test for people with symptoms (home test kits are available).
  2. The PCR test (also called NAAT) is more sensitive, takes longer to become negative and is better for those without symptoms who must confirm a negative result.
  3. Return to work criteria (or end of isolation criteria) can be used to determine when it is safe to come to the office for routine care:
  • "For most adults with symptomatic COVID-19 infection, isolation and precautions can be discontinued 10 days after symptom onset and after resolution of fever for at least 24 hours and improvement of other symptoms."