As the fourth wave of COVID-19 continues across Australia, the number of cases in residential aged care (RAC) homes increased during November.
At the same time, early preventative action and preparation by way of immunisation and antiviral consent have significantly contributed to low mortality rates.
Healthy North Coast thanks all GPs caring for residents in aged care facilities for their quick responses to RAC staff requests for respiratory panel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and antiviral prescriptions.
These actions help to save lives and reduce the severity of symptoms for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
While antivirals can commence based on a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) result, NSW Health Guidance for Residential Aged Care Facilities on the public health management of acute respiratory infections requires aged care providers to confirm positive RAT results with a respiratory panel PCR. The respiratory panel determines the possibility of dual infections, which may indicate a different treatment pathway.
Meanwhile, data on immunisation rates across the region indicate that approximately 70% of residents have had at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, and many have had a winter booster fourth dose. This, coupled with the increased early use of COVID-19 antiviral medications – both preventatively and for positive cases – has resulted in far fewer deaths and hospitalisations.
Mid and North Coast Localised Pathways
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