DHSS continues to urge flu vaccination
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Flu activity is currently widespread throughout Missouri. 11,171 cases of influenza have been reported in Missouri so far. 11 people have died from influenza-associated illness this season. Nationally, influenza activity remains high, and forecasts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that it will remain elevated for several more weeks.
As of Jan. 10, 32 pediatric deaths have occurred throughout the country this season, according to the CDC. Influenza B viruses have been reported more frequently than other influenza viruses. This type can cause severe illness in people of all ages, including children. In past seasons, the percentage of influenza B viruses detected in children who died with influenza has generally been higher than the percentage of B viruses detected in the general pediatric population, and pediatric mortality from influenza B–associated hospitalizations has been reported to be higher than with influenza A–associated hospitalizations.
Flu vaccination remains the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. Not only can it prevent flu, it has also been shown in several studies to reduce the severity of illness in vaccinated people who still get sick. A CDC study, which looked at data from four flu seasons between 2010 and 2014, found that flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-associated death by half (51 percent) among children with underlying high-risk medical conditions and by nearly two-thirds (65 percent) among healthy children.
“The high level of activity nationwide is concerning,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. “While we have not yet experienced the level of flu activity of all of our neighboring states, the traditional peak time of the season is still forthcoming. Now is the time to protect yourself and your children with a flu shot. It’s not too late. We’re also encouraging antiviral medication for people at high risk for flu complications, including children under age 2, as it can reduce morbidity and mortality.”
Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to be vaccinated. Pregnant women are also highly encouraged to receive the vaccination in order to protect the baby after birth and before it is old enough to receive its own vaccination. Antibodies can be passed onto the developing baby during the mother’s pregnancy.
The CDC recommends antiviral medications for the treatment of influenza, because antiviral treatment has shown clinical and public health benefit in reducing illness and lessening severe outcomes of influenza.
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.
Call or stop by the Monroe County Health Department for your flu shot TODAY! 660/327-4653. 310 North Market, Paris, MO ... See MoreSee Less
Do you wonder why car seats expire?
Car seat manufacturers use expiration dates as part of industry standard. There are multiple reasons why car seat manufacturers include an expiration date.
There is the “wear and tear” that is inflicted on a car seat over time. Technology is constantly improving. Performance standards change. Labeling requirements are updated. For all these reasons, car seat manufacturers have an expiration date.
Expiration dates vary between manufacturers and, possibly, between specific models of car seats made by the same manufacturer. To find the expiration date for a car seat, check the shell, labels and the car seat instruction manual.
Learn more: www.cpsboard.org/car-seat-safety/
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LATCH refers to the lower anchors (metal bars in the crevice of the vehicle seat) and a tether (the hook above or behind the seating position to which the tether strap attaches).
Passenger vehicles made after September 2002 are required to have two sets of LATCH and one additional tether.
What you might not know about LATCH is that it has a weight limit. A decade ago, most car seats had a 40-pound weight limit on the harness and the seat itself only weighed around 10 pounds. In contrast, today’s seats weigh 25 pounds or more and the harness is rated to 65 pounds or more.
Child passenger safety technology is ever-evolving, and Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards must evolve as well to make sure installation methods can support heavier seats that are capable of harnessing larger children.
Car seat manufacturers have done the work for you! Labeling on the side of all newer car seats must include the lower anchor weight limit if the car seat upper harness weight limit plus the weight of the car seat exceeds 65 pounds.
Know your limit to ensure a proper installation.Learn more: www.cpsboard.org/car-seat-safety/
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