COVID-19 Information

The Omicron variant is a new SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variant that was first reported in South Africa in early November. On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the B.1.1.529 a variant of concern and assigned the name Omicron. It has since been reported worldwide, and now there are even subvariants of the Omicron variant. There are emerging variants similar to Omicron that the CDC is monitoring and are currently causing outbreaks in various parts of the world. 

Available evidence suggests a seasonal pattern to COVID-19 infection. New variants may cause a large surge in relatively less severe cases like Omicron or, potentially, a smaller surge with more severe illness.  Emerging research will help define the impact COVID-19 may have in years to come. 

Experts are reporting that patients have experienced congestion, fatigue, headache, and body aches. To a non-medical professional, those symptoms could easily be confused as something like the common flu. This is why testing continues to be critical for symptomatic individuals. 

According to the CDC, the Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.

Yes. MD Now offers two tests to diagnose COVID-19, including variants of Omicron: Rapid Antigen testing and a PCR testing.  

Omicron generally causes less serious illness than other forms of the virus compared to other variants. However, Omicron can still cause hospitalization or even death, particularly in vulnerable individuals. 

COVID-19 is a disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Because it is a new virus, scientists are learning more each day. Although most people who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause severe illness and even death.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Congestion or Runny Nose
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to come in for a COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test. We will be able to evaluate your symptoms and tell you the next steps to take.

If your symptoms become severe, call 911.

MD Now offers both rapid antigen testing and PCR testing at all MD Now locations. The rapid antigen test takes approximately 15 minutes to receive results and is most accurate between 1-5 days after symptom onset. A positive rapid antigen test will help guide your treatment. The rapid antigen tests administered at MD Now are more reliable than home test kits when taken in a clinic environment and in the right stage of your illness—up to 98% accurate. MD Now also offers the PCR test, which uses the genetic signature of the virus to determine if you are infected.  PCR tests continue to play an important role and may be used to help guide your diagnosis when a rapid test isn’t the test of choice, such as if you need a PCR test to return to work or travel. Results are available within 48 hours are less with PCR testing at MD Now.

Your results can be viewed through the BioReference Laboratories patient portal. Follow the steps below to access your results.

1. Go to bioreference.com/patient-portal and select ‘patient portal.’
2. Click the ‘create an account’ button and complete the registration process.  You will be asked a series of questions to verify your identity.
3. Once you’ve set up the account, click the button that says, ‘View Results.’ If your results are available, they will display on the screen.

If you are unable to log in for some reason, please email patientportal@bioreference.com.

Please directly contact the clinic your child was tested at for their COVID results.

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to COVID-19. It is thought Coronavirus is spread mainly from person-to-person who are in close contact through respiratory droplets produced from an infected person. To reduce the spread of COVID-19 everyone should:

• Wash their hands regularly. If soap and water is not readily available use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home as much as possible and put distance between themselves and others.

Visit the CDC website for more tips on how to further protect yourself and others.

If someone is sick in your household or is asymptomatic but has tested positive for COVID-19, we suggest following CDC’s guidance to protect yourself and others in your home.

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms you might have COVID-19. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact MD Now or your healthcare provider and keep track of your symptoms. If you have an emergency warning sign, such as trouble breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

To have your symptoms evaluated, take advantage of our MD Now Virtual Visits, so you can receive care in the comfort of your own home. We can take care of a wide range of health care concerns and will determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

Yes. In addition to our standard infection control protocols, which include sanitizing exam rooms and tablets between patients and sanitizing common areas regularly throughout the day, we have taken additional steps to protect our patients and staff which include:

Allowing patients to wait in their cars after check-in if preferred.

Asking patients to wear masks if they have respiratory symptoms.

Staff wear masks and use protective equipment when appropriate.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Florida Department of Health
• Food and Drug Administration