Why worry about the flu in Australia? It could save your life.
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 10 October 2017 08:57
Why worry about the flu in Australia? It could save your life.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is looking far from the Midwest to see what this year’s flu season might bring. Each year, flu cases in the southern hemisphere, in places like Australia, are tracked to help predict what will be seen in the northern hemisphere a few months later. This helps scientists determine what to include in the flu vaccine for North America.
So far this year, Australia has reported cases that far exceed those in the last two flu seasons. This may be because the most common influenza virus reported there this year is influenza A; it tends to lead to higher case counts and larger outbreaks. If Missouri’s flu season mimics what Australia is already seeing, there could be deadly consequences.
The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory reported more than 70,000 lab-positive influenza cases for the 2016-2017 flu season. This easily spread virus can prove especially dangerous for some patients: there were also 99 influenza-associated deaths reported over the same period.
The best defense we have against flu is the influenza vaccine, or flu shot. DHSS director Dr. Randall Williams says, “Having cared for patients for 30 years as a practicing physician, I saw that flu shots are critical for the greater good of our community. By protecting ourselves, we help protect our most vulnerable populations: newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly and those whose health is already compromised. They are the most susceptible to serious flu illness and complications, including death. That’s why we recommend everyone six months or older gets a flu shot to help decrease exposure.”
Flu activity often increases in October and November before peaking between December and February. By receiving a flu shot, the body’s immune response to the virus will improve to provide protection against the influenza viruses that are likely to be common this flu season. For more information or to find a flu shot location near you, visit health.mo.gov/flu or talk to your local health department, pharmacist or medical provider.
About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services:
The Department seeks to be the leader in promoting, protecting and partnering for health. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov.
Infant Sleep Positioners: FDA Warning - Risk of Suffocation
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 03 October 2017 09:51
MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program
Infant Sleep Positioners: FDA Warning - Risk of Suffocation
AUDIENCE: Consumer, Pediatrics
ISSUE: FDA is reminding parents and caregivers not to put babies in sleep positioners. These products—sometimes also called “nests” or “anti-roll” products—can cause suffocation (a struggle to breathe) that can lead to death.
In the last 13 years, the federal government has received 12 reports of babies known to have died from suffocation associated with their sleep positioners. Most of the babies suffocated after rolling from the side to the stomach. In addition to the deaths, the commission has received dozens of reports of babies who were placed on their back or side in the positioners only to be found later in hazardous positions within or next to the product.
To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, including accidental suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants sleep on their backs, positioned on a firm, empty surface. This surface should not contain soft objects, toys, pillows, or loose bedding.
BACKGROUND: The most common types of sleep positioners feature bolsters attached to each side of a thin mat and wedges to elevate the baby’s head. The sleep positioners are intended to keep a baby in a desired position while sleeping. They are often used with infants under 6 months old.
RECOMMENDATION: Parents and other caregivers should not put babies in sleep positioning products.
- NEVER use infant sleep positioners. Using this type of product to hold an infant on his or her side or back is dangerous.
- NEVER put pillows, blankets, loose sheets, comforters, or quilts under a baby or in a crib. These products also can be dangerous. Babies don’t need pillows and adequate clothing—instead of blankets—can keep them warm.
- ALWAYS keep cribs and sleeping areas bare. That means you should also never put soft objects or toys in sleeping areas.
- ALWAYS place a baby on his or her back at night and during nap time. An easy way to remember this is to follow the ABCs of safe sleep: “Alone on the Back in a bare Crib.”
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch Safety Alert, including a link to the FDA Drug Safety Communication, at:
https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm578531.htm
Fight the Flu
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 05 September 2017 11:36
Andrew County Health Department Flu Clinic Dates
At 106 N. 5th Street
Walk-in Clinics:
October 10th & 12th.
9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Medicare accepted (must have medicare card with you)
All non-Medicare $20
(unless under 19 yrs and VFC qualified)
Questions? Call: 816-324-3139
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
- Details
- Published on Monday, 28 August 2017 06:53
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
One in 3 children in the United States is overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were cone seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news is that childhood obesity can be prevented. In honor of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, the Andrew County Health Department encourages your family to make healthy changes together.
- Get active outside: Walk around the neighborhood, work in a garden, go on a bike ride, or plan basketball in the park.
- Limit screen time: Keep screen time (time spent on the computer, watching TV, or playing video games) to 2 hours or less a day.
- Make healthy meals: Buy and serve more vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain foods. Plant a garden.
Taking small steps a family can help your child stay at a healthy weight.
This project is/was funded in part by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Maternal and Child Health Services Contract #DH150006012 and is/was supported by the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant #B04MC28109, Maternal and Child Health Services for $9,095,311, of which $0 is from non-governmental sources. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.