Monroe County Health Department will close at noon on Friday, December 13, for staff training. We apologize for any inconvenience! ... See MoreSee Less
Are you between the ages of 35 and 64, without Medicare Part B, and need breast and cervical cancer screenings? Call Becky at Monroe County Health Department today, 660/327-4653 x 226, to see if you qualify for the free Show Me Healthy Women program. Income guidelines apply. Women diagnosed with cancer through the Show Me Healthy Women Program will receive treatment through the program. ... See MoreSee Less
First flu-associated deaths reported in Missouri
The total number of influenza cases in Missouri recently surpassed the 1,500 mark, and the state has received three reports of influenza-associated deaths this season. As preparations are made for holiday gatherings, getting the annual flu shot should be on the to-do list so that holiday cheer can be spread rather than influenza.
It is important to remember that flu is hard to predict, but anyone can help prevent the spread of the flu. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year.
“For those who haven’t already been vaccinated, it is important to know that it’s not too late,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “We are approaching the peak of flu season, so now is still a great time to protect yourself and others around you by being vaccinated.”
How can I prevent the flu?
• Get a yearly flu vaccination.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.
• Stay home while you’re sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
How does the flu spread?
Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Flu viruses also may spread when people touch something with flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. Many other viruses spread these ways too. People infected with flu may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5-7 days after becoming sick. That means you may be able to spread the flu to someone else before you know you are sick as well as while you are sick. Young children, those who are severely ill, and those who have severely weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer than 5-7 days.
How do I know if I have the flu?
The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
What should I do if I have the flu?
Most people with flu have mild illness and do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, drink plenty of water and other clear liquids to prevent dehydration; get plenty of rest; and treat symptoms such as fever with over-the-counter medicines. In addition, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. You should stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Remember that groups of people at high risk for flu-related complications include children age 5 and under, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. If you have symptoms of the flu and are in a high risk group, or have questions or concerns, contact your primary health care provider.
Come by the health department TODAY to get your flu or pneumonia immunizations. We have high-dose flu vaccine for the over 65 population. Call 660/327-4653 for further information! ... See MoreSee Less
Top 5 Winter Toxins
A drop in temperature means a spike in exposures to winter toxins. There are all kinds of chemicals commonly used to help manage the cold and ice. Remember to store them up and out of sight of children and keep them in their original containers. If your child or someone you know drank antifreeze, ingested ice melt, or got into ANY of these products, call the Poison Help line right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Here are the top 5 winter toxins that may be found around your home this time of year:
1. WINDSHIELD DEICER & ANTIFREEZE
Spraying deicer on a frozen window makes scraping the ice much easier and your car needs antifreeze to keep running in the winter, but what would happen if someone accidentally drank antifreeze or deicer? These common automotive products contain substances called toxic alcohols, including ethylene glycol and methanol. They prevent liquid from freezing in our engine or melt ice that has been frozen to our windshields.
These chemicals are a much different version of the alcohol that we find in beverages. If swallowed, they are broken down by the body into more toxic substances that cause damage to the kidneys, brain, and even the eyes (depending on the formulation). Antifreeze poisoning symptoms (from ethylene glycol) start with drowsiness, upset stomach, and symptoms of drunkenness. Deicer usually contains methanol and causes similar initial symptoms along with blurred vision. Symptoms can progress to very severe effects.
CAUTION! Just a swallow of the concentrated product can be toxic in children! You might wonder, how could an accidental antifreeze ingestion happen? Antifreeze is a brightly colored liquid that looks just like a beverage to young children. Always practice safe storage and use of these products.
2. ICE MELT
Ice melt products can be inadvertently brought into the home from the bottom of shoes. Of course, a toddler will not only find it, but will put it right into their mouths. These can include the regular rock salt (sodium chloride) or “premium” ice melts that contain a mixture of various salts, such as potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. Mixtures actually reduce the risk of poisoning since they offer a lower dose of any one particular salt, compared to every pellet being the same thing. Keep the bags and buckets of any ice melt product out of sight and reach of children because their salt content can be a problem if swallowed in large enough amounts. If someone ingested ice melt, the poison center is here to help!
3. LOCK DEICERS
Lock deicers are small aerosol containers specifically designed for frozen automobile door locks. They usually contain isopropyl alcohol, the same ingredient in rubbing alcohol. This is upsetting to the stomach and may cause vomiting. A single spray in the mouth is not expected to cause more than a bad taste and possible upset stomach, but in larger amounts, it can cause more serious symptoms.
4. WATER PROOFING SPRAY
Water proofing spray helps keep moisture out during the cold, wet days of winter. Many people spray it on boots to keep their feet dry while trudging through the snow. These products can contain fluorocarbon polymers which may cause irritation or injury to the lungs if inhaled. Always spray outside or in a well ventilated area and avoid spraying in windy conditions.
5. HAND WARMERS
Hand warmers are usually provided in a small convenient pack for gloves or pockets to keep hands toasty while outside in the cold. Popular hand warmers, such as HotHands®, are made of iron powder, water, salt, activated charcoal, and vermiculite. These ingredients react together when exposed to air to cause the warming sensation. A common question is, what happens when they accidentally break open or are chewed on by a curious child? Due to the iron content, there is a potential for toxicity although this is not expected from the usual small exposure to the product. Symptoms of iron toxicity may include persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and blood in the vomit.
If ANY of the above products are ingested, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, even if it was just a small amount. Specially trained nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365. The service is free and confidential. ... See MoreSee Less
The health department will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. We wish everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving with your familiies! ... See MoreSee Less
