Blog Archives

November 2, 2021May 18, 2022

Travel & Testing During COVID-19: Everything You Need To Know

Passenger flights and even road travels have been hugely impacted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, a 64.6% decline in global passenger traffic has been reported. Recently, there’s been increasing demand among government agencies to restore confidence in travel during the pandemic.

This is evident from the increasing number of available travel guidelines and testing requirements. Although traveling requirements may exist during this pandemic if you have the right information and follow the right travel advice you will be able to navigate your travels hassle-free.

If you’re planning to travel for work or vacation, do not get overwhelmed with the various testing requirements and guidelines. It doesn’t matter where you’re traveling to, what is needed is the right information concerning traveling requirements in your destination.

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about traveling requirements during this pandemic and how Carolina Pharmacy’s travel assistance program can help you plan a safe, smooth, and seamless experience for both domestic and international travels.

What to Know Before You Travel

COVID-19 has changed the nature of traveling, no doubt. The major deciding factor for traveling during the ongoing pandemic is safety.

You will need to have all your safety essentials such as gloves, sanitizers, masks, and more ready to guarantee your safety while traveling. Finally, you need to familiarize yourself with the basic guidelines to ensure your safety. Don’t get overwhelmed; we will simplify all traveling requirements in your destination country in this guide.

To ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed with the various information, and testing requirements out there, our Concierge Travel Services & Assistance Program also covers helping our patients determine the necessary travel requirements to make your trips stress-free. We will provide you with all the travel requirements, required tests, and necessary documentation.

Traveling Requirements, Restrictions, & Situations

Hassle-free domestic and international traveling during COVID-19 may require certain preparations and documentation. The requirements and documentation vary from country to country. While you can travel to many countries with just a vaccine card, some airlines may have their own requirements or may require testing. If testing is required, the number of days you need to test prior to departure varies depending on the country and your vaccination status.

To ensure that you have a hassle-free trip, we will help you make the right preparations beforehand by:

Helping you gather key information about different travel requirements for your destination and planning a safe and seamless trip for you.
Gathering the latest travel advice for your destination and helping you prepare important travel documents.
Being in charge of your health needs through our Travel Medication Management program, and providing the necessary information that will keep you safe and healthy during your travels.

Considerations for Susceptible Individuals

Specific groups of people have an increased risk for severe illness. Immunocompromised individuals, pregnant people, older adults, children, and people with one or more existing medical conditions may have slightly different requirements. If you fall into this category and are concerned about travel requirements, schedule an appointment with our experienced staff to determine if you need any precautions for your destination.

What Travelers Need To Know About Safety in Hotels & Other Lodging

Travelers should follow basic safety guidelines in hotels and similar accommodation establishments. Ensure to constantly wash your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Before going into public places such as restaurants or halls, be sure to wear face masks and maintain social distancing.

Safety Recommendations When You Travel

Before you travel, plan ahead to keep yourself and everyone safe. When you fly, you may be required to wear a facemask. Try as much as possible to avoid touching surfaces. Also, keep a portable hand sanitizer to clean airplane seats, armrests, certain buttons, and restroom door handles, practice social distancing, and avoid close contacts. These recommendations and safety guidelines also hold for road travels.

Safe & Smooth Journeys With Carolina Pharmacy’s Travel Assistance Program

Carolina Pharmacy offers comprehensive travel testing assistance such as diagnostic COVID-19 testing with full laboratory results and certain documentation that you may present as part of the requirement for proof of negative COVID-19 test for destinations or airlines where that is required.

Your safety is very important to us during these trying times, so we are prepared to provide the needed support to ensure that you can keep up with your personal lives and business even during these unprecedented times. If you are currently taking one or more medications, we’ve also got you covered through our Travel Medication Management Program. We make your traveling hassle-free with organized and convenient packaging.

Feel free to contact us for detailed concierge travel planning assistance to make your traveling seamless and help keep you safe when you travel. Let us handle the travel requirements and documentation. For more information, schedule an appointment for COVID-19 travel & testing assistance in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill.

September 29, 2021May 18, 2022

Managing Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines

Just like normal medications, all vaccines also have one or more side effects, and COVID-19 vaccines are no exception. Across the globe, about 45% of the world population has received at least a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The most widely reported side effectsfollowing the administration of COVID-19 vaccines are headaches, chills, soreness at the injection site, flu-like symptoms, and muscle aches. In all cases, these side effects are usually mild, and they usually last for only about 24 – 48 hours.

Maybe you’re preparing to get your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or you have recently gotten your first dose, you may or may not experience these side effects. Read on to discover the possible side effects and how you can effectively manage them.

Common Side Effects Following COVID-19 Vaccinations

Soreness at the Injection Site

Soreness at the injection site is typical of intramuscular injections and is very common. COVID-19 vaccines are no exception. So, it’s not a big deal. Soreness from COVID-19 vaccines is usually characterized by redness and tenderness.

Although it may be annoying at first, soreness demonstrates that your body is developing an immune response against the vaccine, which helps your body build immunity against the coronavirus.

It is crucial to understand that not everyone responds the same way. So, it doesn’t mean your body is not developing immunity if you do not get a sore arm after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Muscle Aches

Since the vaccine is usually administered intramuscularly, some discomfort in the form of muscle aches is typical. When you experience these types of reactions, just know that your immune system is responding exactly the way it’s supposed to react. Occasionally, muscle aches may hinder your ability to perform usual daily activities. Still, they usually go away in about a day or two depending on how fast your immune system responds to the vaccine. Similarly, the absence of muscle pain is also normal for some individuals.

Fever and Fatigue

This is the chief symptom that is often most pronounced twenty-four hours following a COVID-19 vaccination. It is fine to sleep if you experience a fever after taking your first or second dose of the vaccine. Be sure to also drink enough water to stay hydrated and continue adhering to COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Headaches

Headaches are common side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. In fact, evidence suggests that roughly 10% of individuals experience one or more forms of headaches and fatigue following the COVID-19 vaccination. Depending on the individual, the severity of the headache may range from mild to even migraine headaches where there is occasional nausea and sensitivity to flashing lights. But, in any case, symptoms usually subside within a day or two.

What to Do to Manage COVID-19 Side Effects

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and they protect individuals from complications of COVID-19. Side effects are normal, although not everyone experiences these side effects and the degree varies in different individuals.

But in any case, here are a few tips to help you control and manage the various types of side effects that may develop:

Stay hydrated after taking the COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people drink lots of fluids and try their best to dress lightly to reduce symptoms such as fever, headaches, and fatigue.
Poor sleep may prolong recovery from the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Ensure to get enough sleep after taking the vaccine. Limit physical activity, rest well and get plenty of sleep.
If you experience soreness, stiffness, and muscle aches around the injection site, try as much as possible to move your arms. Understandably, this may cause more discomfort, but it helps improve blood flow around the injection site which relieves local inflammation and soreness.
Occasionally, you may experience pain around the injection site. You can apply ice packs or cool, wet cloth to ease the pain around the injection site.
If you still feel pain that doesn’t go away after applying ice packs around the sore area, you may take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen but only when necessary, and if you have no medical condition that will prevent you from taking them under normal circumstances.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and the occurrence of side effects following COVID-19 vaccination is normal. As a safety measure, ensure to remain still for about 15 minutes after receiving a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to watch for the occurrence of adverse effects, which may occur in very rare cases.

It takes time to build full protection after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Hence, even after receiving your first and second doses of the vaccine, ensure to adhere strictly to COVID-19 safety guidelines.

At Carolina Pharmacy, we are committed to bringing you quality healthcare during these unprecedented times through quality pharmaceutical services. Contact us today for more information on COVID-19 testing, and COVID-19 vaccination in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill.

September 27, 2021May 18, 2022

Gardening Tip: Fall Root Vegetables

It’s time to get your seeds in the ground for root vegetables in North Carolina! Carrots, beets, rutabaga, turnips, radishes etc. are all excellent root vegetables that can be sewn directly into the soil in September and October. Before planting, make sure you have a nice composted soil with ample sunlight and access to a water source. Note the seed spacing requirements on your seed packet and thin your plants accordingly. Check out this gardening calendar for more information:

September 27, 2021May 18, 2022

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie Recipe

1cup spinach
1/2beet, peeled and chopped
1small piece of ginger root
1 small piece of turmeric root
1cup coconut water
1/2orange, peeled
1cup blueberries
1tsp coconut oil
1 cup of ice

Blend ingredients together, adding extra liquid as needed. You may wish to add extra protein which can be done with hemp hearts or a protein powder. If you are trying to add extra protein to your diet, try adding flax seed or psyllium husk to your smoothies.

September 14, 2021May 18, 2022

5 reasons to consult with an independent pharmacist

It’s easy to focus on the quickest and easiest way to pick up our prescriptions. But did you know there’s a difference when it comes to what type of pharmacy you choose?/p>

An independent pharmacy is a retail pharmacy not directly affiliated with any pharmaceutical chain. It is not owned or operated by a publicly traded company, but is a pharmacist-owned, private business. While public companies such as chain pharmacies tend to operate more as a business that simply distribute medicine, privately held independent pharmacies are typically more patient-oriented.

In other words, as a patient, you can rely on independent pharmacies to be there to offer care when you need it. Here are five reasons why you should make the switch.

Independent pharmacies are present for their patients

Independent pharmacies are geared toward patient service and have more time to answer patient questions, compared to oversaturated corporate chain retailers.

Independent pharmacies manage medications

At a private retailer, you can expect a diligent professional ready to manage your prescription medications with you. Independent pharmacies generally know their customers well, including what prescriptions they take, and are able to personally advise on medication management so that it benefits your health in the best way possible.

Independent pharmacies advise on over the counter (OTC) medications

Independent pharmacists are the next step in patient care after physicians and are trained to take on subsequent steps helping patients navigate medications. While you have the power to make OTC decisions on your own, independent pharmacists can advise you on side effects, price, coverage, and other factors that determine a good fit.

Independent pharmacies can educate you on side effects

This is a nuanced service you won’t likely find at a chain. The staff of a private pharmacy will take the time to apply their expertise guiding patients through navigating the best individual decisions when it comes to choosing a medication.

Independent pharmacies are stewards for fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Competent and vigilant pharmaceutical experts contribute to curbing antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, the phenomenon of over-prescribing antibiotics to patients who do not need them, and perpetuating a growing resistance to antibiotic medicines. This is a great threat to public health, as losing our efficacy against bacterial infections will put more people at risk of serious illness or death from treatable diseases.

Independent pharmacies are more prone to catch mis-prescribed medications for patients who do not need them.

If you want more attention to your specific care needs, private and independent pharmacies are the ideal choice. We invite you to consult with our team at Carolina Pharmacy for comprehensive guidance on your medications from our trained pharmacist professionals.

Keeping up with the latest guidelines and suggestions regarding COVID-19 can feel like a full-time job. Determining the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe is vital as the world navigates the ongoing ramifications of COVID-19’s global impact.

Coronavirus Updates and Challenges

Knowing how best to protect yourself against COVID-19 and support your community’s fight against the virus involves staying up-to-date on all COVID-19 recommendations and news. From the clinical trials evaluating vaccine efficacy to determining which vaccine is best for you and any medical conditions you might have, it can be difficult to determine which recommendations apply to you and which do not.

We have compiled the latest in coronavirus recommendations and data to help synthesize the course of action currently being recommended by health authorities and governing bodies.

Coronavirus Variants

In recent months, several variants of the original COVID-19 virus have emerged. COVID-19 variants are to be expected; all viruses eventually evolve and develop new strains to more effectively replicate and continue to spread.

Unfortunately, the variants that have emerged have proven more readily transmissible and pose a more substantial hazard than initial strains. The current variant of concern is the Delta variant, which is considered of some concern to public health in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccine Efficacy

There are 3 widely distributed vaccines that have been developed for the novel coronavirus. COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. include the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (a single-dose vaccine) and the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (both double-dose vaccines). These vaccines have proven to be effective enough to receive emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Information about the immune system’s long-term uptake of coronavirus vaccine technology is ongoing and emerging. Still, studies continue to support a high vaccination status as the best possible deterrent against the virus. Fully vaccinated people continue to enjoy a much less severe illness, even in “breakthrough” cases or cases where the virus is able to replicate in the body in spite of a vaccine.

Continuing Health Barriers

Barriers to public health include knowing what measures to follow and how long to follow them. This is an issue that has plagued public health initiatives from the beginning, as different government agencies have had different messages, depending on the state, county, and city in which individuals live.

In some areas, for instance, health care professionals urged and successfully campaigned to have mask mandates placed and enforced, in addition to limiting building capacity and strictly enforcing quarantine measures. In others, policies were far more lax.

Mixed messages and uncertainty regarding ideal health policies continue to be one of the most significant barriers to health in the fight against coronavirus.

Coronavirus Symptoms and Signs

If you are exhibiting symptoms and signs of coronavirus, it is important to get tested. Knowing what qualifies as a symptom of COVID-19 and what qualifies as a symptom of the flu, a cold, or another respiratory illness can be difficult, which can make appropriately quarantining or recovering for 14 days difficult, as well.

What are the major differences between COVID-19 and the common cold?

COVID-19 vs the Common Cold

Knowing the likelihood of having COVID-19 instead of a simple cold can be difficult. Differing levels of severity can obscure the likelihood of a virus-infected person being infected by a common cold or COVID-19. The symptoms that COVID-19 and the common cold share include the following:

Congestion
Sore throat
Nasal discharge
Cough

Fortunately, there are some symptoms of COVID-19 that continue to present in people that deviate from standard cold symptoms, the most significant of which are fever and shortness of breath. While colds can cause shortness of breath and a low-grade fever, difficulty breathing and high fever are highly uncommon and may be a more likely indicator of a COVID-19 infection or influenza.

When to Call Your Doctor

Knowing the symptoms of COVID-19 can help you determine when you should speak to your doctor. Symptoms of the common cold and COVID-19 symptoms intersect in numerous areas, especially in the Delta variant; tell-tale signs such as headache and loss of taste and smell are not as common in this variant, making identification more difficult.

If you experience symptoms of coronavirus and the common cold (sore throat, coughing, congestion, and nasal drip), along with more flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, chills, and even joint pain, it is important to contact your health care team and determine next steps.

Current Testing and Prevention Guidelines

Guidelines continue to change and evolve as the COVID-19 pandemic changes and evolves. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases regular changes and updates to policies and recommendations. This is done to keep people apprised of the best possible way to prevent transmission of and infection with the novel coronavirus.

Mask Requirements and Suggestions

Although the CDC previously released guidance encouraging vaccinated individuals to begin moving about unmasked, recent guidelines have encouraged even vaccinated people to continue to wear a mask indoors in areas with high infection rates or high transmission rates.

When to Get a Test

Individuals who are at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 should get a test. These include people who are not vaccinated and have recently attended a large event or traveled in an enclosed space, people who have recently been exposed to someone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19, and anyone who displays symptoms of the virus. After getting a test, practice safe distancing and masking procedures until you receive the results of your test.

Where to Get a Vaccine

Vaccines are available in most major pharmacies and grocery stores. The standard of care is the most significant difference in these areas; large chain pharmacies may not have the time or availability to discuss the side effects and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Smaller pharmacies, such as Carolina Pharmacy, are often a better option for vaccine delivery. Independent pharmacies are equipped to provide patients with a focused, one-on-one approach to vaccine administration, designed to put you at ease and answer any questions or concerns you might have about receiving the COVID-19 immunization.

As you can see in the video below, demand for COVID-19 vaccines and tests has been on the rise in the Charlotte area. Carolina Pharmacy is here to help you get the treatment you need.

Watch video here.

Carolina Pharmacy Is Here to Help

Although we have been living with the novel coronavirus for well over a year, there is still much that is not known about COVID-19. Carolina Pharmacy is home to staff members who are passionate about supporting health and patient education. If you have any questions or concerns about getting the COVID-19 vaccine in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill and understanding which vaccine is right for you, do not hesitate to reach out to us today!