||| FROM ISLAND HOSPITAL |||
 Island Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jason Hogge |
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As we fight the steepest peak of the pandemic, it will take the collective efforts of the entire community to get through this. Our medical team and support staff are working tirelessly, dealing with a record number of patients with limited staffing.
Below we’ve shared some reminders and pointers for those who are battling COVID-19 or other illnesses and are unsure of where to go for care.
I’ve tested positive for COVID-19 at home. Should I call my doctor?
If you have taken a home COVID-19 test and it is positive, please treat your symptoms and only call or portal message your provider if you have emergent or urgent questions about your health. While we always want to be updated about your health status, please know that we are dealing with historically high volumes of patients and trying hard to respond to everyone’s needs as quickly as possible. Most people are able to ride out the symptoms of COVID-19 at home. If you’re positive, please isolate, rest and stay hydrated.
What to do if you have tested positive for COVID:
- Stay home except to get medical care (if necessary).
- Isolate yourself from others, including pets.
- Inform any close contacts that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
- Report your positive COVID test to the Washington State Department of Health by calling the COVID-19 Hotline: 1.800.525.0127 (then press #).
- Practice all COVID safety measures: wear a mask if you must be around others, wash hands frequently, disinfect high-touch surfaces every day and avoid sharing personal items.
When to seek medical attention for COVID symptoms:
Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 9-1-1 for any of the following:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone.
Learn more about CDC’S guidance for COVID care
Do not go to the Emergency Department (ED) for a COVID-19 test.
Our Emergency Department (ED) is seeing record number of patients who are very sick from COVID, which is resulting in long wait times. The ED is not administering COVID testing to the general public. Please save our ED for emergencies.
Where to go for a COVID test.
As the Omicron variant surges in our area, patients showing symptoms should seek testing from Public Health, pharmacies and at-home kits. For a list of local testing options, click the button below.
Find a Testing Location
Where to go for care
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT:
- Stroke (facial “droop”, slurred speech or numbness in arm, leg or face)
- Chest pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Coughing or vomiting blood
- Severe burns
- Severe bleeding
- Severely broken bones
- Sudden blurred vision
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Seizures
- Head injury with loss of consciousness
- Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
- High fevers
For the following symptoms, you should go to your nearest WALK-IN CLINIC:
- COVID-19 symptoms that require medical attention, but are not life-threatening
- Colds, flu or fever
- Earaches
- Sinus infections
- Migraines
- Sprains, strains or minor broken bones
- Eye infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Rashes
- Cuts or scrapes
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
As a reminder, Island Primary Care – Orcas is not a walk-in clinic and requires appointments. To schedule an appointment, call 360.293.3101.
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