COVID-19 Tests: What Are The Differences?

In Phase 3 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions in North Carolina, more establishments are now starting to re-open as we adjust to the new normal. Aside from masks and face shields, another part of the new normal is securing a negative COVID-19 test result to travel out of the country or book a hotel. 

However, since taking a COVID-19 test is a new step for most of us, it’s worth checking which COVID tests are available and what to expect when you get one. In this post, we’ll discuss different types of COVID tests, how the samples are collected, and the test result waiting time. 

Different types of COVID-19 tests

After several months in the pandemic, there are now three COVID-19 tests that will help identify if you have an active infection or you’ve been infected in the past. These include:

Molecular test or RT-PCR test

The molecular test or the real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction is a diagnostic test that detects if you have an active coronavirus infection in your body. It identifies the nucleic acid produced by the SARS-COV2 virus from your saliva or sputum. 

• Accuracy: RT-PCR test is considered the most accurate test at the moment
• Test procedure: The specimen is taken through a swab sample from your nasopharyngeal (nasal or throat) saliva. 
• Processing time: You can get the result for this test on the same day you were tested or in a week. The release of test results depends on the volume processed by the testing facility. 

Antigen test

The antigen test is the second diagnostic test conducted for the detection of COVID-19. It detects the specific viral proteins of SARS-COV2 in your saliva and helps diagnose if you have an active coronavirus infection in your body.

• Accuracy: It’s the second most accurate test for COVID due to some tendencies with false-positive results in some cases. A confirmatory RT-PCR test will be required if you have symptoms of COVID and tested negative in the antigen test. 
• Test procedure: The specimen is taken through a swab sample from your nasopharyngeal (nasal or throat) saliva. 
• Processing time: You can get the results within 10 to 30 minutes. 

Antibody test

The antibody test detects if you were infected with COVID-19 in the past. The test identifies the antibodies that your body created to fight the virus. If the test confirms that you have active COVID antibodies in your blood, your blood plasma may help those who have critical complications due to COVID-19. 

• Accuracy: The antibody test can’t identify if you have an active coronavirus in your body. It only detects the history of COVID infection.  
• Test procedure: The specimen is taken through a blood sample.
• Processing time: You can get the results on the same day or within three days. 

The sample specimens are processed by mixing chemicals with the swab samples, and the chemical reaction will determine if you are positive with COVID-19 or not. 

Carolina Pharmacy now offers rapid COVID-19 tests

In our aim to provide quality care for our patients, rapid COVID tests are now available at our Arboretum location. We offer the following COVID-19 diagnostic tests:

COVID-19 Rapid antigen test

• Best for: Patients that are required to have health clearance for workplace purposes or to confirm that they are not infected 
• Processing time: 10 minutes

COVID-19 RT-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test

• Best for: Patients who are traveling abroad or to confirm that they are not infected 
• Processing time: 1- 3 days

Learn more about our COVID testing services by calling us now or schedule your test by filling up this online form. 

Flu Vaccine in 2020: What Everyone Should Know

The fall season’s cold winds and stunning foliage also comes with a reminder for the upcoming flu season. The annual peak of the flu is just a month away, and a flu vaccine needs a couple of weeks before it could make you immune to seasonal viruses.

As we welcome November, let’s discuss how the flu vaccine works and its role in boosting your immunity during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Key facts about the flu vaccine

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about flu vaccines. As we become more health-conscious amid the pandemic, here are some facts that you should know about flu vaccines:

• A flu vaccine takes approximately two weeks before our body builds enough antibodies to fight seasonal viruses.
• Fever and muscle aches are normal responses of our immune system when introduced with foreign bodies from the flu vaccine. 
• You can still get sick after getting a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are cultured based on certain types of seasonal viruses and do not cover the new and unknown types of viruses like COVID. 
• Other factors that limit the ability of the flu vaccine to boost immunity depends on every individual. The level of immunity to the virus that the flu vaccine provides depends on:
  • Age
  • Medical condition(chronic illnesses)
  • Immune system
• Some flu vaccines are tested on eggs that make those allergic to it hesitant to take flu shots. However, extreme allergic reactions are rare in those who are allergic to eggs. If you have a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, get your flu shot from a medical practitioner that can handle your condition.
• There are different kinds of flu vaccines, namely:
  • Quadrivalent flu vaccines can protect you against H1N1, H3N2, and two influenza B viruses. It comes with a variety of age-appropriate flu shots:
    • Quadrivalent shots (6 months & up)
    • Cell-based shots/Flucelvax Quadrivalent (4 years old & up)
    • Recombinant shots/Flublok Quadrivalent (18 years old & up)
  • Trivalent flu vaccines provide immunity against H1N1, H3N2, and one influenza B virus. The varieties of vaccine below are for ages 65 and above:
    • High-dose shots/Fluzone high-dose Quadrivalent 
    • Adjuvanted flu vaccine

What to know about the current flu season

According to the CDC, both flu and COVID-19 viruses will be circulating in this year’s fall and winter. That’s why medical experts encourage everyone to get a flu shot as early as possible. Manufacturers prepared about 164-198 million doses of the flu vaccine to cover the 2020-2021 season.  

Flu vaccine benefits

Even though flu vaccines can’t provide 100% immunity to all kinds of viruses, it contributes to the decrease of flu-related diseases and deaths. Benefits of flu vaccines include: 

• Protects you and your family from both life-threatening and seasonal flu
• Prevents hospitalizations in children
• Helps boost the immunity of pregnant women and the baby inside their womb
• Keeps flu-related chronic diseases from getting worse and decreases the need for hospitalization
• Relieves severe flu symptoms from people who still got sick from another strain of the flu virus

Will the flu vaccine help with COVID-19?

Our current flu vaccines don’t provide immunity against COVID-19. However, it can help strengthen our immune system against seasonal flu that may increase our risk of getting infected with COVID and suffer severe complications. 

Get your family’s annual flu vaccine this November at the nearest Carolina Pharmacy in your area. You may also contact us to learn more about our vaccination program or visit our branches in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill. 

Protect your family now and allow the vaccine to be in full-effect right before the flu season comes. 

Knowing Your Vitamins: Ascorbic Acid VS. Sodium Ascorbate

While we’re in a pandemic, most of us are trying our best to be at our best health to avoid getting infected or at least recover if our lab results show that we are positive for COVID. Vitamins C has become one of our go-to supplements to improve our health. In this article, we will discuss the top two types of vitamin C in boosting your immune health.

How Vitamin C helps in boosting your immune system amid COVID-19

Vitamin C plays an essential role in building more T-cells that fight bacteria and viruses in our bodies. It is also a key component in building more immune cells and keeping them healthy. You can get it in most fruits and vegetables, but the high concentration of vitamin C comes from citrus fruits like lemon.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that comes from a virus that has not yet been seen in humans before. It targets those individuals with a compromised immune system and attacks the lungs. So amping up your intake of vitamin C helps boost your immune system and can keep viruses at bay.

Difference between ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate

Ascorbic acid is the purest kind of vitamin C. On the other hand, another kind of vitamin C is sodium ascorbate which contains vitamin C attached to minerals. Let’s discuss each of these forms of vitamins below:

Ascorbic acid

Ascorbic acid is by far one of the known forms of vitamin C. It is a water-soluble vitamin that helps keep our skin, hair, and bones healthy. Most fruits and vegetables contain ascorbic acid, and its drug form helps treat those who have vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, delayed wound, and bone healing.

Sodium ascorbate

Sodium ascorbate is a form of vitamin C that has sodium components that help lower its acidity levels. The sodium content helps vitamin C to be easily absorbed and stay longer in the body. It serves as an antioxidant that helps keep your cells from damage and keep them healthy.

What type of Vitamin C is best for you?

Both ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate are good sources of antioxidants and help boost your immune health. However, since ascorbic acid is an organic acid, it can increase in the PH levels in your stomach and may trigger hyperacidity for those who are suffering from it.

On the other hand, sodium ascorbate may increase the sodium levels of patients with hypertension, diabetes, and kidney disease that can cause more harm than good.

Ask our pharmacists for the best vitamin C for your family

Supplements are good instant sources of vitamins and minerals for our bodies. However, patients with pre-existing medical conditions might experience side effects with the vitamins that contain chemicals that can make their conditions worse.

If you want to make sure of what’s best for your family, ask our pharmacists. Let us assist you with your prescriptions and vitamins at any of our locations in Charlotte, Lancaster, or Rock Hill.

Is It Coronavirus Or Just Seasonal Allergies?

A runny nose during a pandemic can be worrisome since COVID-19 has similar symptoms. While it’s essential not to panic over your symptoms, lack of knowledge in distinguishing the difference between seasonal allergies and COVID can cost lives. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms that separate COVID from seasonal allergies.

Similarities and Differences Between COVID-19 and Allergies

The flu-like symptoms of COVID-19 make us suspicious at every sneeze or cough. However, the similarities between COVID and allergies are not limited to those symptoms that’s why it’s easy to mistake a simple allergy as coronavirus. These two conditions share the following symptoms:

• Headache
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue

Symptoms of seasonal allergies

Seasonal allergies occur when a person’s immune response mistakes a certain allergen as the body’s enemy. The immune system will overreact to the allergen in the form of inflammation. The nasal and sinus cavities become inflamed and filled with fluid that causes congestion.

The nose will then produce more mucus as a defense mechanism to contain the mistaken ‘foreign invader’. When the person lies on his back, the mucus can drip to the throat that can trigger a cough. Headache also comes with nasal congestion due to sinus pressure.

Allergy is a sign of a weak immune system and develops from various causes like pollution, age, and underlying medical conditions that affect the immune system. Specific symptoms of seasonal allergies include constant sneezing and watery eyes.

Symptoms of coronavirus

COVID-19 or Coronavirus Disease is a contagious respiratory infection that targets the lungs. Anyone can be infected but the symptoms and complications are worse for the immunocompromised.

The early symptoms of COVID are mild, and if the person has a strong immune system, he can be asymptomatic to the disease or show no signs of infection. The following are symptoms of COVID-19 but not of seasonal allergies:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Loss of taste and smell

How to Treat Allergies During COVID-19

Allergy is a condition that results from the unusual response of our immune system to certain substances. Therefore, the inflammation involved is part of our biological process and allergies are not a condition that can be cured. It can only be managed with lifestyle changes and antihistamine medications.

It’s important to know how to manage your allergies because it can progress into a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. Here are some tips to help you manage seasonal allergies:

• Identify your triggers and avoid them going forward.
• Consume more anti-inflammatory foods and drinks and try facial steaming to relieve congestion.
• Drink more water to maintain hydration. A dry mouth can serve as a gateway for viruses to enter your body.
• Keep washing your hands and follow safety protocols against COVID-19.
• Call your doctor or pharmacist for the appropriate prescription for your allergy.

How Carolina Pharmacy Can Help with Allergy Treatment

Our pharmacists can suggest over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants that can work for mild allergic reactions. You can get your allergy medications at the nearest Carolina Pharmacy near your area. We have branches located in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill. To learn more about our prescription refills and transfer services, you may contact us at 1-833-MY-PHARM.

How Medication Synchronization Limits Physical Contact Amid COVID-19

During a pandemic, stakes are higher for those who are immunocompromised. Thanks to medication synchronization, high-risk patients no longer need to risk exposure to the virus for their medications. All it takes is one trip to the pharmacy or one delivery day to have all their medications.

4 Ways medication synchronization keeps you safe during a pandemic

Medication synchronization or med sync at Carolina Pharmacy enables our patients to pick up their prescription refills and other medications once or twice a month. Part of this patient care program is to remind our patients via text or email about their scheduled prescription refills so they won’t miss them and maintain their medication adherence.
With COVID-19, the med sync program can help you:

1. Avoid delays in prescription refills

Independent pharmacies track your next prescription refill and make sure that you can pick them up right before your stock empties out. The best thing about medication synchronization is the assurance and peace of mind of having your prescribed medications exactly when you need them.

2. Keep your stock of prescription medication in check

The pandemic has affected the global supply of essential needs due to the sudden and rapid widespread of the Coronavirus. Thus, triggering one of the biggest fears of patients – drug shortage. With med sync programs, patients can assure that they have enough buffer of medications for an entire month so that they don’t have to worry about running out of stock.

3. Maintain medication adherence amid quarantine

Medical needs are continuous even if the world stalled for a while due to the lockdown. Immunocompromised patients still need the support of medications and medication synchronization programs, which can help them stay on track and continue their medications by having a month-long supply.

4. Minimize patient contact through monthly scheduled pick up

Medication synchronization helps limit the volume of patients coming to pharmacies and the frequency of a patient’s outdoor exposure resulting in less physical contact. Patients only need one trip to the pharmacy or one delivery day to get their medical supplies for the whole month.

Carolina Pharmacy wants to keep you safe with our medication services

As we hope for the pandemic to pass, life must go on and we at Carolina Pharmacy aim to help you stay safe with our medication synchronization programs. Stay home and keep your family safe by letting us manage your medication errands for you with the following services:

Med Sync or Medication Synchronization: Our pharmacists can help consolidate all your medications so you only need to pick them up once.

PakMyMeds: We pack your medicines based on your doctor’s prescription along with the right prescribed dosage. So, all you have to do is take the medicine you need when it’s due.

Prescription delivery: Diabetic and other immunocompromised patients no longer need to risk going outside because we can deliver their medications right to their doorstep.

Choose the most convenient access to your medications with Carolina Pharmacy. We provide medication synchronization and prescription refills in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster. Prescription delivery is available at our Lancaster locations below:

• Carolina Pharmacy – Hwy 9 Bypass
• Carolina Pharmacy – Airport Road
• Carolina Pharmacy – Meeting Street

Let us know how we can help you by calling us now at 1-833-MY-PHARM.

Relieving Dry Skin Due To Excessive Hand Washing During the Pandemic

Has your skin gone dry for washing them too many times? While it’s part of safety precautions during the pandemic, we can make lifestyle adjustments to keep our skin healthy while adhering to safety protocols. Frequent hand washing is a crucial step in preventing the spread of COVID-19. However, cracked and scaly palms are also a potential source of danger that we shouldn’t neglect.

Ways to relieve dry and cracking skin at home

The dry cracked skin on our hands can make us more susceptible to yet another potential infection. Here are some tips to help you keep your skin hydrated and free from the dry stinging skin on your hands.

Hand-cream

Moisturizers and hand creams are the easiest remedy for dry skin. They trap the water on our skin to prevent it from evaporating. After washing your hands, dry it with a clean towel, and leave it damp. Then, immediately apply hand cream or moisturizing lotion like Lubriderm Lotion for normal to dry skin or Cetaphil lotion, available at our Carolina Pharmacy – Hwy 9 Bypass branch.

For severe and painful cracks on your palms and fingers, you can apply petroleum jelly. Seal the healing process of your skin by covering it with gloves or socks. It can be a greasy process, so better do this at night. 

Coconut oil

Oils are more effective for skin hydration due to their ability to completely trap water onto the skin. Coconut oil is by far one of the best natural agents for both hydration and fighting infection. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can kill bacteria and fungi. 

Lather the coconut oil on your damp palms after taking a bath and after washing your hands. You can also leave it overnight for faster healing and better hydration of your skin.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is another natural solution that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is light on skin and best for people who are not fond of the sticky feeling of moisturizers. Apply the aloe vera gel after washing or sanitizing your hands until your skin absorbs it.

DIY Oatmeal hand soak

After a day full of hand washing and sanitizing, give your hands the care it deserves with an oatmeal hand soak. Mix milk and crushed oatmeal in a basin and add water enough to submerge your hands. Let it soak for a good 15 minutes and apply hand cream. 

Carolina Pharmacy has options for your skin nourishment needs

We hope that these tips will prevent you from having skin problems during the pandemic. Carolina Pharmacy has skin topical solutions and moisturizers that are perfect for your dry skin. You can also have your skin essentials delivered right to your doorstep with our prescription delivery service.

Get professional advice from our pharmacists in Rock Hill, Charlotte, and Lancaster or coordinate with us about your skin nourishment needs by calling us at (866) 846-8809. 

5 Must-Have Vitamins to Boost Your Immune System Against COVID-19

Without a vaccine, our immune system is our last defense against COVID-19. While we’re waiting for the cure and enforcing safety measures, we must have a rainbow diet, exercise, and extra support from vitamins to boost our immune system and aid nutrient deficiency. 

Vitamins and nutrients are needed to keep a healthy immune system. Stress and poor diet can cause vitamin deficiency which can affect our immune function. Therefore, making us more susceptible to viral infections like COVID-19. 

Reminders in Taking Vitamins

Take precautions in taking vitamins even if they seem to be safe. Please take note of the following:

• Supplements are not the cure for coronavirus and there’s still no drug or vaccine that can prevent or treat COVID-19.
• Not all supplements are safe to take without the doctor’s advice. Some vitamins need a prescription. Too much calcium, for example, can lead to a medical condition called hypercalcemia. 
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist first if you’re taking other medications. The vitamins may react with your prescriptions and may cause further complications to your health condition. 
• Vitamin overdose can lead to a serious medical condition. Take them as prescribed and within the bounds of daily recommended intake. Carolina Pharmacy offers medication synchronization services to help patients manage their prescription medications and check if they’re taking the right dosage. 

5 Vitamins to boost your immune system amid the pandemic

A rainbow diet consisting of fruits and vegetables can help supply the nutrients we need every day. There are daily recommended amounts of vitamins that you’re allowed to take. 

If you are not getting enough nutrients from your diet and lifestyle, supplements can help supply the following vitamins:

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a steroid-like hormone that helps regulate the immune responses of our body to viral infections. We, humans, are like plants who need sunlight as our natural source of Vitamin D. 

However, due to the lockdown, some have less time to get a good amount of sunlight to maintain the daily recommended amount of vitamin D. You may bank on Vitamin D supplements or choose food sources rich in Vitamin D to prevent deficiency.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for its contribution to boosting the immune system. It is responsible for the following roles in the body:

• Creates oxygen radicals that serve as the weapon of the body against pathogens
• Involved in creating antibodies that aid in identifying if a person is infected with COVID-19 or not
• Contains a lot of antioxidants
• Supports the function and ability of immune cells to fight against infection
• Contributes to cellular death by removing the old cells and replacing them with new ones 

Zinc

Zinc is the gatekeeper of the immune function, according to this study. It regulates the number of immune cells and helps the immune system decide when to attack and when to tolerate the pathogens entering our body. 

Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to the malfunction of the internal defenses of our immune system that can make us susceptible to respiratory infections.

Protein

Protein is responsible for repairing damaged tissues and cells. It is the main component in the survival of antibodies and immune cells. Protein deficiency can paralyze our immune function and makes it harder for our body’s defense system to fight viruses. 

According to this report, a clinical trial using the protein inhalation method has decreased the need for respirators in COVID-19 patients by 79%. Their immune response has shown hope to researchers due to the significant results it produced.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays an essential role in maintaining the functional integrity of mucosal cells and immune cells in our skin and the covering of our organs. Keeping up with your vitamin A intake helps your immune function to fight and defend the body from the transmission of the COVID-19 virus through the eyes, nose, and skin. 

These vitamins may not be the cure for COVID-19, but lacking them can put you into a higher risk of getting infected. Even this small gesture of self-care by maintaining your immune system can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe during these uncertain times.

Get your supplements safely at Carolina Pharmacy

The world has stopped for a while as most businesses are closed, but we at Carolina Pharmacy, are always ready to serve your medical needs. You can safely get your medications through our curbside or drive-through dispensing services at our Charlotte, Rock Hill and Lancaster locations.

To prevent putting our customers at a higher risk, you may also request for a refill or transfer of prescriptions with our app for more convenient access to your medical needs. 

Don’t let your guard down and keep your immune system healthy through a healthy diet and active lifestyle, even at the comforts of your home. If you feel that you need more vitamins to boost your immune system, let us assist you with your prescriptions by contacting us.  

Keeping Children Safe This Summer Amid Covid-19

Let’s be honest, a lot has changed in the past few months. Businesses closed. Schools shut down. Friends stopped visiting. Our lives have been disrupted by new challenges that are hard for adults and children. 

At Carolina Pharmacy, we know that children are resilient, but this “new normal” has thrown them for a loop. How can you keep your child safe this summer while still allowing him/her to be a kid? 

Children and Covid-19

With viruses such as the common cold and the flu, children are as susceptible to getting sick as adults. So, how does Covid-19 compare?

Can My Child Get Covid-19?

While any child has the potential to contract Covid-19, most children do not appear to be at a higher risk than adults. Although the reasons are unknown, coronavirus cases in children have not been severe forms of the illness. As of April 2, 2020, less than 2% of the coronavirus cases in the United States were in patients under 18. Similar numbers have been reported in countries such as China and Italy.

Common symptoms of Covid-19 among children include:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Tips to Keep Children Healthy

The recommendations to keep children safe and healthy amid this pandemic are similar to the tips for adults.

• Wear facial coverings in public settings or when you are around people who are not part of your family. Carolina Pharmacy sells face masks by the way.
• Maintain social distancing practices.
• Model good health practices including washing your hands and not touching your face.
• Watch for signs or symptoms of Covid-19.

Mask or No Mask?

Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the recommendations have changed a few times making it difficult to know what to follow. Masks have become a hot button topic for many. Should you wear one? Should your kids wear one? What type do you need?

Types of Masks

There are many different types of facial coverings or masks. Masks range from homemade cloth coverings to disposable ear loop masks to N95 or KN95 respirators. While N95 masks are generally reserved for medical personnel, any covering provides more protection than no mask at all.

Advantages of Wearing Masks

When an individual with Covid-19 sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets are released into the air. A face mask blocks the droplets from being released into the air. This helps slow the spread of the disease.

Although a face mask does not completely block the coronavirus, it is an extra layer of protection and security, especially when combined with good handwashing and social distancing.

Should Children Wear Masks?

The CDC recommends that everyone who can should wear a mask when in places where it is difficult to remain 6 feet apart from others. This includes children, especially those who are immunocompromised or high risk. 

However, children under 2 should NOT wear masks. Children who have severe cognitive or respiratory disorders may have a hard time wearing facial coverings. In these cases, additional precautions may be necessary.

When children are playing outside, masks may be avoided if children can maintain social distances and avoid touching surfaces.

Get Your Pharmacy and Medical Needs at Carolina Pharmacy

At Carolina Pharmacy, we strive to keep our patients safe and healthy. We are still dispensing medications which can be picked up through curbside or drive through services. You may also easily refill or transfer your prescriptions online or from our convenient app!

Carolina Pharmacy takes your health seriously. We also sell face masks at each of our locations. Let us help keep you and your family healthy. Contact us for help managing your prescriptions. 

Immunocompromised: How to Stay Safe Amid COVID-19

COVID-19 has been the leading topic of discussion for months. It has brought fear and concerns to many people, especially those with underlying medical conditions. Patients who are immunocompromised need to take additional safety precautions to avoid catching this illness. 

At Carolina Pharmacy in Charlotte, we take the health and safety of our patients seriously. Our team of pharmacists want to help you understand your medical conditions and medications and strive to keep you safe during this pandemic.

Who is Immunocompromised?

Patients who are considered immunocompromised have weakened immune systems. This reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. With the threat of the coronavirus, a healthy immune system is important for fighting the illness.

At-Risk Patients

When it comes to COVID-19, immunocompromised patients are high risk. This means at-risk patients have a greater chance of developing complications or having a more severe response to the coronavirus. 

Patients who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 may have the following conditions or diseases:

• HIV/AIDS
• Cancer
• Serious heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Lung disease
• Immune deficiencies 
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Use of oral or intravenous corticosteroids

Additionally, people over 65 are considered high risk. Smokers are also at risk of developing complications or a severe case of COVID-19.

Autoimmune Medications and COVID-19

There has been some confusion and discrepancy about the use of the autoimmune medication, hydroxychloroquine, to treat patients with COVID-19. The medication is used to treat or to prevent malaria and to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. 

When COVID-19 first struck, doctors from various countries started to study the effectiveness of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine at treating the illness. The FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization allowing the use of the medications to treat patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

FDA Warning Regarding Hydroxychloroquine

Due to concerns over the potential side effects, including irregular heartbeat, use of the medication outside of a hospital or under direct supervision of a doctor was not recommended. However, concerns were raised over the inappropriate use of the drug outside of medical supervision. 

The FDA has since revoked the EUA for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine in treating coronavirus patients. The results of their clinical trial show that the medication does not speed recovery or show improved healing for the coronavirus.

Tips to Stay Safe During COVID-19

Even if you are not considered high risk, taking additional precautions amid the coronavirus pandemic can help protect you, your loved ones, and the at-risk patients around you. To keep yourself and others safe, consider the following safety measures:

• Wear a mask or facial covering. You can buy them at any of our Carolina Pharmacy locations!
• Wash your hands regularly and especially after going out in public or after coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home. 
• Practice social distancing and avoid large crowds of people.

How to Safely Get Your Medications from Carolina Pharmacy

At Carolina Pharmacy, we strive to keep our patients safe and healthy. We have taken additional precautions to protect your health and wellness while still dispensing your medications. 

Depending on your pharmacy location, curbside and drive through services are available. We also offer services that allow you to easily refill or transfer your prescriptions. You can even refill prescriptions from our convenient app!

If you are immunocompromised and in need of your medication, Carolina Pharmacy takes your health seriously. Contact us for help managing your prescriptions during this pandemic and beyond.