Illness Precautions and Policies
Below, you’ll see the most current policies and precautions and the date the policies were last updated. I will update this page as needed, so check back if you have any questions! I have a little note explaining my philosophy after the policies, too.
I take medication that suppresses my immune system, so illnesses can hit me harder and take longer to recover from. Many of my patients also have compromised immune systems, so reducing exposure in the clinic matters a lot.
Last updated: October 22nd, 2026 (edits: updated masking and symptom guidance, reformatting)
If you feel unwell, regardless of whether or not it is COVID, please reschedule your appointment or switch to a virtual appointment.
Mild or new symptoms count: a scratchy throat, a runny or stuffy nose, more sneezing than usual, or just feeling “off.”
Other symptoms that mean you should reschedule: fever/chills, sore throat, lasting cough, extreme fatigue, unfamiliar or new body aches, changes to taste or smell, vomiting, or extreme digestive symptoms.
Not sure if it’s allergies? Take a test, switch to virtual, or contact me and we’ll figure it out together.
During a virtual appointment, I can provide home care suggestions to help with colds and allergies, such as food therapy (including specific teas, foods, etc.), hands-on practices like moxa or gua sha, herbal recommendations, and more. You can do many things at home to take good care of yourself, too!
If you have tested positive for COVID, please do not come to the clinic for at least 10 days from the onset of symptoms. If you’re testing the day of your appointment, please make sure the test was within a few hours of your appointment. If you don’t have access to a test or do not want to take one, please wait until 10 days have passed and your symptoms have resolved. Please continue to wear a mask in the clinic until your symptoms have completely resolved.
Please notify me as soon as possible if you need to reschedule; the late cancellation policy applies to any appointment rescheduled within 24 hours (see the Financial Policies for more information). Switching to a virtual appointment is not a late cancellation, so this is a good option if it is within the 24-hour window. Remember, everyone gets one free late cancellation per 365 days!
You can reschedule and cancel appointments through the patient portal, clicking the link in reminder emails, or just replying to the email and letting me know. (Here’s directions with photos on how to do it!). To reschedule within 24 hours or switch to virtual, email me at kate@fireweedacupuncture.com.
Please wear a mask in the clinic if you have upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as coughing, frequent sneezing, sore throat, etc., even if you think it is allergies!
You're, of course, welcome to wear a mask regardless of symptoms - but if you do have symptoms, please come prepared with a high-quality (not fabric) mask. If you don’t bring a mask, I will offer you one. If you decline to wear one, your appointment will be rescheduled, and you will be charged a late cancellation fee (the amount varies by appointment; see the Financial Policies for details).
As a courtesy, I would appreciate it if you wore a mask if you’ve recently been traveling (especially on airplanes), in large group settings, and/or have been exposed to people who are sick, whether it is COVID or another infection. This can help prevent spreading any infections before you realize you are sick. I am happy to provide you with a mask if you don’t have one handy!
If you're not sure what to do about your appointment, don't hesitate to contact me! You can email or send me a message in the portal, and we can figure it out together.
What I am doing to protect you in and out of the clinic:
The treatment room and lobby always have a HEPA filter running. This filter is rated for a much larger space, so it replaces the air in the room multiple times per hour!
I wear a mask November through March. I’m also happy to wear one anytime on request!
I'm regularly cleaning frequently touched areas with appropriate cleaners.
I always take a COVID test when I’m unsure if my symptoms are allergies or an upper respiratory infection.
I reschedule appointments if I am feeling unwell.
I am fully vaccinated for COVID, and received the most recent COVID (and flu) vaccines in September 2026.
I stay up-to-date on current COVID variants and their changing symptoms to know what symptoms to look for.
A note from me:
COVID can be a contentious subject for many people. I know many of us are tired of dealing with it, and we have adapted to various levels of precautions in our daily lives. My goal with this page is to keep you up to date with the current precautions I am taking, as well as share what my policies in the clinic are. If you have any questions about this policy or my precautions, please email me!
I know we've been dealing with COVID for over six years now, and it is easy to feel exhausted with it all. It can feel very isolating and awkward to be the only person wearing a mask in public or to ask people if they have tested for COVID - I feel it too! (Even writing this feels a bit awkward!) But again and again, I return to the idea that we truly need to practice and rely on community care and think of how we can best take care of each other. That includes caring for the vulnerable, sick, and disabled in our communities, even if it inconveniences us.
Above, you’ll see the most current precautions, along with the date the policies were last updated. I will continue to update this page as needed, so check back if you have any questions.
Living with chronic illness can be tricky, and balancing it with providing a service to the public can make it even harder to navigate. I am so grateful for everyone’s help in keeping the clinic welcoming for everyone, including disabled and chronically ill people, and helping to reduce transmission of illness!
-Kate