By Tyler Francke, Oregon Veterans News Magazine
care clinic because that may expose others to the virus. Instead, contact the MHS Nurse Advice Line. Registered nurses will screen for COVID-19 exposure or infection. They also will offer advice for self-care and, if appropriate, coordinate virtual appointments with health care providers. Nurses also may make a referral to visit a health care provider in person. If you have a fever, coughing, and shortness of breath, call your primary care provider or VA medical center before going to a clinic, urgent care or emergency room. You can also send your doctor a secure message through My HealtheVet. Contacting your health care provider first helps them protect you, their medical staff and other patients. You should also visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov to learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19.
Can i be tested for covid-19?
Testing is based on many factors, including the severity of symptoms, other existing illnesses or conditions, possible exposure, and other criteria. VA health facilities have been testing veterans who meet the testing criteria provided by the CDC. In Oregon, testing criteria have been developed by Oregon Health Authority and the public health departments of each county. Consult your primary care provider, VA medical clinic or county health center if you think you should be tested for COVID-19.
Can i Use Emergency/urgent care?
If you’re experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department/ER. Don’t forget about the urgent care options that may be available to eligible veterans in your community.
COVID Resource guide
By using the ED/ER only for medical emergencies, you can help frontline health care workers protect you, themselves and other patients, as well as help them address critical medical needs first during this period of COVID-19 outbreak. Symptoms that may need emergency medical (immediate) attention include: • Chest pain • Numbness or tingling in your arms or on one side of your body • Severe fever or violent vomiting • Bleeding that doesn’t stop Symptoms that may need urgent care attention (within 24 to 48 hours) include: • Sore throat, earache • Sprains or strained muscles from sports or exercise • Minor cuts and injuries
no symptoms but Feeling stressed?
It is common in these unprecedented times to feel anxious and overwhelmed. Concerns about COVID-19 can be stressful for many people, and it’s understandable to feel anxious. It’s important to take steps to manage stress and take care of yourself. Stay connected and healthy. Stay in touch with friends and family by phone and social media, and get enough sleep and exercise. Visit the CDC’s website to learn about managing stress and anxiety about COVID-19. Get more tips. The National Center for PTSD has created a guide for managing stress associated with COVID-19, which you can find at www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_managing_stress. asp.
Cards, Videos Flood in to Oregon Veterans’ Homes While Americans adjust to the new realities brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, some are reaching out to the residents of the Oregon Veterans’ Homes in Lebanon and The Dalles to assure them they are appreciated, cared for and remembered. The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs calls it “Operation Well Wish,” and the well wishes have flooded in from all over. Many have sent letters, postcards, pictures and artwork, which are cleared by the Home’s infection prevention team before being shared with residents. Others have sent in videos, and they have come in from Virginia, Ohio, Texas, North Carolina, Hawaii and even as far as Italy. These videos are being played for
residents on the Homes’ closed-circuit TV channel. Some have included their children or pets. Others have shown video footage from their favorite places in nature at their hometowns. Some have sung their favorite songs or recited poetry. “With the lock-down protocols that are currently in place to keep our community safe, it has been a tremendous change in the residents’ way of life,” said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick. “These men and women at our Lebanon Veterans’ Home have borne the battles to keep this nation safe and free. It’s wonderful for so many of the people that they have protected to be remembering them in this challenging time.”
Lebanon Veterans’ Home Program Director Jeremy Woodall said they have been a huge boost to both residents and staff. “Seeing the smiles and songs and well-wishes come in from literally around the world has lifted their spirits,” he said. “Young children, men and women, veterans and civilians… everyone has a chance to share love and hope to others in this time.” If you would like to be part of Operation Well Wish, please send your cards, letters or other materials in an unlicked envelope to ATTN: Operation Well Wish, Oregon Veterans’ Home, 600 N. 5th St., Lebanon, OR 97355. Videos may be sent to ODVAInformation@odva.state.or.us. OREGON DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
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