Special to IFN
RALEIGH — State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt has issued Standing Orders to allow pharmacists at retail locations in North Carolina to test and treat for influenza. Effective October 1, pharmacists across the state will be able to test for the influenza virus and then immediately treat with the appropriate medications to reduce severity of illness when appropriate as authorized under House Bill 67.
For those at high risk for flu and its complications, early testing and treatment with an antiviral drug can help prevent flu infections from becoming more serious. Treatments work best if started soon after symptoms begin. If you begin to feel sick, contact your provider or pharmacist right away to see if you need testing and possibly treatment with a prescription antiviral drug. Treatment for flu is especially important for people with severe illness and those who are at high risk of serious complications based on their age or medical conditions.
Under these Standing Orders, pharmacists will be able to evaluate people ages 5 and older who are showing signs or symptoms of influenza; conduct point-of-care influenza testing; and initiate treatment when clinically appropriate.
Tests can miss flu infections in some cases. Anyone who has worsening or prolonged illness should seek medical care from a provider regardless of flu test results. The Standing Orders also allow pharmacists to offer preventive treatment to high-risk individuals who have had a significant exposure to influenza within the past 48 hours.
“This action reduces barriers for people who are feeling sick or have been exposed to someone with the influenza virus,” said N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Being able to get tested and immediately treated at a pharmacy increases access for people do not have a regular provider and will help make communities healthier during the respiratory virus season.”
In addition to treatment, individuals will receive education on self-care strategies, measures to limit the spread of influenza, and information about when to seek follow-up care from a medical provider. Pharmacists will also send information from the visit to the individual’s primary care provider to help keep care coordinated. If they do not have a doctor, pharmacists will help connect them to one.
Fees may apply for the evaluation and any medications provided. While some private insurers may offer immediate coverage, coverage will expand over time. You should check with your pharmacy to ensure availability of pharmacists to test and treat the symptoms in the same visit. An appointment may be required.
If you would like to go to your provider or nearby clinic, the Standing Order does not change anything for you, and you should contact them to see if an appointment is necessary for testing and treatment. A majority of people have a pharmacy in their community across the state, opening up access for people who do not have a regular provider or community clinic in their area.
Everyone age six months and older, with rare exceptions, should get a flu vaccine every season with the best time being in September or October to allow time before what is typically the peak respiratory virus season during the winter/colder months. Vaccinations remain the best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death from these infections.
Vaccinations are especially important for those at higher risk of severe viral respiratory disease, including people 65 years and older, children younger than five, pregnant women, those with a weakened immune system and those with certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Vaccines and treatments to protect against RSV and COVID-19 are also available.
Flu vaccines are readily available at little to no cost and are covered by NC Medicaid, most private insurers and are part of the federal Vaccines for Children Program.