Medical

“Covid Test Expiration Dates?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

In looking at a lot of my covid tests from the DCPL, they indicate an expiration date at the end of this month. Is this legit? Or, like eggs, is this more of a best by date? I’ve stocked up on a fair few of these in case of emergencies and would rather not bin them if they’re still valid.”

I’m told that the PCR expiration dates are indeed firm. And if you have PCR kits that you got more than than a year ago (without any expiration date listed), you should toss them out.

Regarding the 15 minute rapid tests I’m told that The DC covid centers provide a hand out of how to look up whether their expiration dates have been extended. Most rapid tests that DC Health have handed out have been extended by 3 months but definitely consult the hand out to be sure.

“recommendations for good optometrists in DC?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

Was wondering if there were any recommendations for good optometrists in DC? More specifically NW DC. Would love to support somewhere local rather than big chains like LensCrafters. Also want to make sure they do quality exams – I have had issues with getting the incorrect prescription before.”

“DC Health Confirms First Orthopox and Potential Monkey Pox Case in the District”

By Prince Of Petworth

From DC Health:

“On June 4, the DC Public Health Lab confirmed the first positive Orthopox case in a District resident who reported recent travel to Europe. The collected samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing and confirmation of the Monkeypox virus. Monkeypox is in the Orthopox family of viruses.

The patient is currently isolating and does not pose a risk to the public. (more…)

“COVID-19 Booster Dose Now Available for Children 5 to 11 Years Old”

By Prince Of Petworth

From the Mayor’s Office:

“Today, Mayor Bowser and DC Health announced that the Pfizer COVID-19 booster is now available for children between 5 and 11 years old. The booster dose has been approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has been shown to help prevent getting infected or having severe complications from COVID-19. DC Health recommends that all eligible children 5-11 receive the booster as soon as possible in order to help stop the spread of COIVD-19. Any child between 5-11 who received their primary vaccine series on or before December 20, 2021 is eligible for the booster. Children ages 5 through 11 years who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are eligible for the booster if they received their primary vaccine series on or before February 20, 2022.

Anyone eligible for a booster dose, including children, can get a free booster at any of the District’s eight COVID Centers, no appointment necessary.

DC Health recommends that all eligible residents age 50 years and older receive a second booster.

There are four easy ways to get your initial COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose in the District: (more…)

“I’m worried this is going to turn into a collections claim”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve gone to the Center for Advanced Orthopaedics, and my health insurance company needs more information from them to process a claim. However, neither my insurance company nor I have been able to get through to anyone at the medical office – we’ve left several voicemails on their line. They do not provide an email address of any sort. (more…)

“hearing anything regarding Paxlovid and COVID?”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I think it’s important for folks to know and unsure if you are hearing anything regarding Paxlovid and COVID. Basically tested positive almost two weeks ago and was able to get on Paxlovid, after three days of minor symptoms I was fine. Finished my dosage 5 days ago. Had 4 negative tests in a row. Woke up this morning with sinus infection like symptoms, did another test and immediately went positive. (more…)

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