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 in over 85 countries and over 35 states. Experts expect that number to increase.
Early reports from testing conducted in South Africa and Europe seem to indicate the Omicron variant of coronavirus is much more contagious than previous variants while causing milder disease, though experts warn definitive data won’t be available for weeks. It appears at this point that there may be less likelihood of hospitalization and death if this is contracted compared to the Delta variant, but more data is still needed. Ensuring that you have protection via vaccination and booster shots is essential to help protect you from severe disease in the unfortunate event that you do contract the Omicron variant.
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.
According to the CDC, the Omicron variant likely will spread more easily than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, and how easily Omicron spreads compared to Delta remains unknown. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
MD Now’s gold standard in PCR testing will continue to detect infection with Omicron, and other variants, since our PCR tests are based on recognizing specific RNA target genes that are common to all coronaviruses. If you begin to feel symptoms, don’t sacrifice accuracy for convenience and settle for a rapid test. You can’t afford misdiagnosis since that can be harmful to you and all of those around you. You need Superior Healthcare RIGHT NOW. MD Now’s PCR testing has proven to be the most accurate way to detect COVID-19 regardless of the variant, and you’ll receive results in 48 hours or less. We can also offer the same speed and accuracy with our Quantitative Antibody testing to accurately test whether you have been successfully vaccinated or were likely exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the past. Know NOW.
While it is still unclear exactly how effective current vaccines will be against the Omicron variant specifically, vaccines are still an effective way to help prevent getting seriously ill. In fact, the CDC announced on November 29 that “The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19.” Even partial protection is better than no protection, and the longer you wait, the more you risk getting infected by another Covid variant — including Delta, which remains dangerous.
MD Now offers the J&J/Janssen single-dose COVID-19 vaccine and J&J/Janssen booster shot while supplies last.
While there are early indications that Omicron may cause less serious illness than other forms of the virus, more data is needed to know if Omicron infections – and especially reinfections and breakthrough infections in people who are fully vaccinated – cause more severe illness or death than infection with other variants.
There are studies underway to answer this as we speak. The answer to this is still unknown. Hopefully, within the next few months, there will be more information.
COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Because it is a new strain of 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 on average 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 swab test or make a telemedicine appointment. 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 currently offers a PCR swab test, which identifies active infection. PCR tests are available at all of our locations, walk-in only. For comprehensive testing information, please visit the CDC website.
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 TEST RESULTS.
2. Click the CREATE AN ACCOUNT button and complete the registration process.
3. Results may not be available on the patient portal for up to 48 hours after collection so please continue to check back regularly.
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:
Visit the CDC website for more tips on how to further protect yourself and others.
Social distancing means keeping space between yourself and others. To slow the spread of COVID-19 people should:
Learn more about social distancing and how to protect yourself.
The CDC recommends that people wear a mask when social distancing practices are difficult to protect the people around. This will help slow the spread of COVID-19.
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, chest pain or confusion, 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.
If you need to seek care for yourself or for a member of your family, MD Now has got you covered.
Schedule a virtual visit. Our physician-led team can assess your symptoms wherever you happen to be. We can take care of a wide range of health concerns without requiring a visit to our clinic.
MD Now is your COVID-19 testing resource. Whether you’re required to provide a weekly test for your job, need to produce a negative test to travel safely, or you simply need to know what is causing your symptoms, we offer the gold standard in COVID-19 testing – the PCR test. Don’t sacrifice accuracy for convenience and settle for a rapid test or at-home test. MD Now’s PCR testing has proven to be the most accurate way to detect COVID-19 regardless of the variant, and you’ll get your results in 48 hours or less.
If you want to know if you or any of your family members have been successfully vaccinated or have had past exposure to COVID-19, walk-in for an Antibody test at any location, no appointment needed.
For all other urgent care needs walk-in anytime, 365 days a year at one of our many state-of-the-art Florida clinics. No appointment is necessary.
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:
Encouraging social distancing by offering patients to wait in their cars after check-in.
Requiring all patients and staff to wear masks.
The FDA has authorized three COVID-19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. The vaccines met the FDA’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality under the EUA. MD Now is currently administering the J&J/Janssen single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
There is no cost for a COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with verified insurance coverage. Click here for information on accepted insurances at MD Now.
MD Now is following manufacturer and CDC recommendations for administering COVID-19 vaccinations. For the latest eligibility requirements in the state of Florida, please visit the state’s website.
Yes. MD Now is following manufacturer and CDC recommendations for administering COVID-19 vaccinations. For the latest eligibility requirements in the state of Florida, please visit the state’s website.
No. An appointment is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis.
MD Now currently offers the J&J/Janssen single-dose COVID-19 vaccine at our clinics while supplies last.
All patients need to bring their driver license and insurance card, if they have one, to get their COVID-19 vaccine at MD Now.
Yes. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines can be offered to eligible persons regardless of whether they have a history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data from clinical trials indicate that vaccinations can be safely administered in persons with evidence of a prior infection. However, you may wish to delay your vaccination until 90 days after diagnosis – this is when antibody protection declines.
Adverse reactions are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve within a few days. The most common adverse reactions reported after vaccination in clinical studies included:
To protect yourself and others around you and to protect against severe disease leading to hospitalization or death. Once you are fully vaccinated and have passed the 2-week recommended wait period, you do not need to quarantine if exposed to someone with COVID-19 unless you develop symptoms or have a positive test.
No. According to the CDC, none of the vaccines contain live virus that can make you sick.
It is not yet known how long COVID-19 vaccination will offer protection – periodic boosters, such as with the annual flu shot, may be needed.
The CDC and FDA have recommended that the use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine resume in the United States, effective April 23, 2021. However, women younger than 50 years old should be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination, and that other COVID-19 vaccines are available where this risk has not been seen. For more information click here.
Johnson & Johnson remains confident in the overall positive benefit-risk profile of its COVID-19 vaccine. Studies have shown that the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine generates strong antibody and cellular immune responses and long-lasting immune memory and breadth of protection across variants. In addition, a growing body of evidence is revealing the strength of protection of their vaccine as a booster to either the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine or a different authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine, both in terms of its efficacy and durability. Read more here.
According to the CDC, for the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago. For more information click here.
Online check-ins are a great way to let us know you are on your way. We will do our best to see you at your check in time, but patients with more emergent needs will require immediate treatment.