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In this issue: |
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If you test positive for COVID-19, OHA recommends a symptom-based approach to protecting yourself and others. This policy has been in place since May 2023 and recommends staying home until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication, and other COVID-19 symptoms are improving.
Regarding respiratory virus activity in Oregon, OHA reports a test positivity rate of 8.9% for COVID-19, 7.4% for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and 5.7% for influenza.
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Click image to watch video of Director Hathi in Southern Oregon
OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi spent one of her first weeks on the job driving through Southern Oregon and visiting the communities of Grants Pass, Medford and Klamath Falls.
“I’m here with questions and I’m here to learn,” Dr. Hathi said. “I’m appreciating that this is a region facing extraordinary workforce shortages that is grappling with the dual drivers of scarcity and geography. And I understand the people here need both more resources and more support to care well for their families.”
Dr. Hathi will spend the next several months visiting all major regions in Oregon – meeting with and talking to community leaders, health care providers, Tribal leaders, local public health officials and non-profit partners about their biggest needs from the state and OHA. Her travel schedule will be posted here.
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From 2009-2022, Oregon experienced a 20-fold increase in the number of people dying from an unintentional methamphetamine overdose.
Methamphetamine facts:
- Unlike opioids, methamphetamine is a stimulant, causing feelings of euphoria and increased energy.
- Methamphetamine is man-made, highly addictive and often referred to as meth, ice, speed and crystal.
- Methamphetamine comes in three main forms—pills, powder or rock chunks. It can be smoked, snorted, injected or orally ingested.
- Long-term methamphetamine use can damage the heart and brain, and cause anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood disturbances and violent behavior.
Using methamphetamine mixed with other drugs, on purpose or accidentally, can lead to potentially stronger and unpredictable effects. With opioids or alcohol, its energizing effects can enhance effects or mask the “downer” effects of other substances. When methamphetamine is used with fentanyl, the risk of opioid overdose increases.
A methamphetamine overdose is called an “overamp” or stimulant toxicity. Overamp symptoms are different than an opioid overdose, but both can cause brain damage or death.
Naloxone does not reverse a methamphetamine overamp but should be given if a person is unconscious and unresponsive in case the person also has taken opioids such as fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone using methamphetamine exhibits:
- Mild to weak paralysis or numbness on one side of the face or body.
- Chest pain, pressure or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes.
- Fast heart rate and breathing, passing out, high body temperature.
- Uncontrollable body jerking, twitching and movement.
- Psychosis to the extent that the person could hurt themselves or others.
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Health notes |
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Now you can stay informed about health news and OHA programs and services by following us on Instagram!
Posts from our first week on Instagram include a video of Dr. Paul Cieslak, OHA’s Medical Director of Communicable Diseases and Immunizations, talking about the importance of immunizations, a video featuring OHA’s new director, and a story about an organization using Measure 110 funding to expand its parent mentor program.
If you don’t already have an Instagram account, sign up here.
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OHA answers your questions |
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Questions are answered by experts at OHA and other state agencies or community partners.
Q: Where can I get a non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine? I live in Newberg. – Jan, Newberg
A: Jan, searching on Vaccines.gov to find the non-mRNA Novavax vaccine within the ZIP code 97132, search results show it is available at the CVS (within a Target store) a few miles north in Sherwood, at 21365 SW Baler Way (503-610-6001). It looks like the Yamhill County Health Dept. in McMinnville at 412 NE Ford St. (503-434-7525) also carries the Novavax vaccine, as well as a Costco and CVS in Wilsonville. We recommend calling ahead to confirm stock and appointment policy.
We also recommend confirming coverage with your insurance provider. COVID-19 vaccines are fully covered under Medicare Part B, most private insurance plans at in-network locations, and by Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) at locations that accept OHP. Visit our blog to learn more about insurance coverage for COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines, as well as what to do when uninsured.
Q: Are there affordable dentists in my area? – Shefton, Phoenix
A: You have a few possible options. If you qualify for Oregon Health Plan (OHP), your OHP membership includes no-cost dental care. If you don’t qualify for OHP but you are a veteran or COFA citizen, you may qualify for a dental-only OHP plan. Otherwise, some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited preventative and comprehensive dental services.
Also, this website lists low-cost dental care options across the state, including dental schools, community clinics and county health departments.
Lastly, thanks to dentists who donate their time, the national Dental Lifeline Network offers comprehensive and free dental care to older adults and adults with qualifying medical conditions. Learn about this program in Oregon and whether you qualify here. Although Jackson County is not on the list of counties currently accepting applications, we recommend calling to ask about your options (503-594-0837).
If you have questions about health topics in Oregon, submit your question here. Although we are unable to answer every question, we try to address those of interest to a broad audience. Please understand that we are unable to provide specific medical advice for personal medical conditions.
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If you need mental health support for any reason, help is out there.
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