CHS Pharmacy News
October 2024
Business Hours
Normal business hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F, and 9 AM – 3PM Saturday and Closed on Sunday
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
Respiratory Illnesses Updates*
COVID-19:
While COVID-19 activity remains elevated, signs of decline are evident across many regions, with decreases in test positivity, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Effective prevention tools remain available.
Influenza & RSV:
Seasonal influenza and RSV activity are currently low nationwide. For more on influenza activity, visit the CDC’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report.
Vaccination:
Vaccinations for the 2024-25 season have begun. So far, 4.5% of adults have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, 9.6% have received an influenza vaccine, and 34% of adults 75+ have received an RSV vaccine. All three vaccines are available for protection this season.
Season Outlook:
The CDC anticipates similar or lower peak hospitalizations from COVID-19, influenza, and RSV compared to last year, though still higher than pre-COVID-19 levels. The outlook will be updated every two months or as needed.
Medication Update: Ellipta Inhalers**
Step 1: Open the inhaler
Slide the cover down to expose the mouthpiece until you hear a “click.” The dose counter will decrease by one. Do not shake the inhaler. It’s now ready to use. If the counter doesn’t decrease, contact the pharmacy.
Step 2: Breathe out
Hold the inhaler away and breathe out fully. Avoid exhaling into the mouthpiece.
Step 3: Inhale the medicine
Place the mouthpiece between the lips and take a long, steady, deep breath through the mouth. Don’t block the air vent. Remove the inhaler and hold your breath for 3-4 seconds.
Step 4: Breathe out slowly
Do not take another dose if the medicine doesn’t seem to work.
Step 5: Close the inhaler
Clean the mouthpiece if needed, then slide the cover up until it clicks.
Step 6: Rinse your mouth
Rinse with water and spit it out. Don’t swallow the water.
Counting Your Ellipta Doses
When fewer than 10 doses remain, the counter will turn red. Once it reaches “0,” dispose of the inhaler.
Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!
- * cdc.gov
- ** trelegy.com