Come join us at the Pumpkin Festival at the Paris Fairgrounds! We will have a booth inside the 4-H building. We have lots of giveaways and good information to share. Flu shots will be available, as long as supplies last. Flu vaccine is slow to come from the manufacturer this year. If we don't have the vaccine now, the manufacturer says that we will have it within 2-3 weeks. Come see us! ... See MoreSee Less
Protect yourself and loved ones from the flu
Getting your flu shot is important to those around you who may be high-risk for flu complications
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – With ongoing 90-degree temperatures, getting a flu shot is likely not on the radar of Missourians right now. But a Southern California public health system reported a flu-associated death of a 4-year-old who had underlying health issues already last week. While seasonal flu viruses are detected year-round in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says flu activity typically begins to increase in October and peak between December and February. Activity can last as late as May.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications. The best way to prevent flu is an annual vaccination.
“While it is extremely important for every Missourian to get their flu shot, it is especially important that those in high-risk groups receive their vaccination,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. “And while we were encouraged last year by lower incidence rates of flu in Missouri, we cannot let down our guard and skip flu shots, or we may see increased rates of incidence and flu-related deaths in the state.”
The groups considered high-risk are:
· Adults 65 years and older,
· Pregnant women,
· Young children,
· Children with neurologic conditions,
· And individuals with these conditions: asthma, heart disease or stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and/or cancer.
Missourians are encouraged to get their flu shot by the end of October, as it can take two weeks for an individual to be protected against the flu.
The flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. According to the CDC, flu vaccination in the 2017-2018 flu season prevented an estimated 7 million illnesses and more than 100,000 influenza-related hospitalizations nationwide. During the 2018-2019 flu season, Missouri’s flu vaccination rate increased by 14 percent, more than 147,000 doses, from the season prior. ... See MoreSee Less
DHSS Announces First Vaping-Associated Death in Missouri - Eighth Nationally
ST. LOUIS (Sept. 19, 2019) - A Missouri man in his mid-40s died this week at Mercy Hospital St. Louis due to an illness associated with the use of e-cigarettes. This is the first vaping-related death in Missouri and the eighth nationwide.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) concluded it was a vaping-related lung injury after lung samples were taken of a Mercy patient who had a history of vaping but normal lung function prior to starting vaping in May 2019. He developed mild respiratory symptoms that worsened, leading to hospitalization on Aug. 22 before being transferred to Mercy St. Louis on Sept. 4.
“This is an unfortunate case of a young man with no prior lung illness who started vaping because of chronic pain issues,” said Dr. Michael Plisco, Mercy critical care pulmonologist and medical director of Mercy’s extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) program. “He started out with shortness of breath and it rapidly progressed and deteriorated, developing into what is called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Once the lungs are injured by vaping, we don’t know how quickly it worsens and if it depends on other risk factors.”
In the case of the Mercy patient, the man’s lungs were unable to provide enough gas exchange, leading to heart failure and near cardiac arrest. He was emergently placed on venoarterial ECMO in an effort to support his heart and rest his lungs.
“Unfortunately, because ECMO doesn’t fix the problem and only buys time for healing, it didn’t work in this case,” Dr. Plisco said. “Due to the nature of this critical illness, acute respiratory distress syndrome ultimately led to his death.”
Since the Missouri DHSS began advising, and now requiring, physicians to report possible vaping-associated pulmonary illnesses in late August, DHSS has received 22 reports from throughout the state of Missouri. Seven of these cases, including this first death, have been confirmed using the case definition developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nine are still under investigation, and six reports were investigated and did not meet CDC’s case definition.
“We are sad to report that this illness associated with vaping has now resulted in a death in Missouri and extend our condolences to his family,” said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS director. “As previously stated, we encourage Missourians to follow the CDC guidance to refrain from using e-cigarette products if you are concerned about these specific health risks, especially while the investigation is ongoing.”
No infectious diseases have been identified with the illness, meaning it doesn’t spread from person to person. These lung illnesses are likely associated with a chemical exposure from vaping. Patients report e-cigarette use and similar symptoms including:
● Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.
● Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
● Fatigue, fever, or weight loss.
● Elevated heart rate.
DHSS and the CDC advise anyone using vaping products who experience the symptoms listed above to seek medical care promptly. In addition, if someone uses e-cigarettes, they shouldn’t buy products off the street (for example, e-cigarettes with THC or other cannabinoids). They also shouldn’t modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to them that are not intended by the manufacturer. If someone is concerned about their health after using e-cigarettes, call the local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Regardless of the ongoing investigation by the health department and CDC, youth, young adults and women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarettes. Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarettes. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and Food and Drug Administration-approved medications. If someone needs help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your doctor or other medical provider or call the Missouri Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). For information on the text-based e-cigarette quit program from Truth Initiative, visit truthinitiative.org/quitecigarettes or text “DITCHJUUL” to 88709.
For more information, please visit the DHSS website. ... See MoreSee Less
Fatalities and injuries of children under 13 involved in a car crash decreased significantly in 2017 from 2016. Let’s keep those numbers declining by spreading the word: If you love them, you’ll make sure that they are in the correct seat for their age and size, and that the seat is being used correctly. #TheRightSeat ... See MoreSee Less
