BE A FLU FIGHTER

Stay on Top of Flu and Coronavirus Challenges

Health officials advise that the regular flu (influenza) is a greater threat to public health than coronavirus – but they’re urging us to take steps to help prevent viruses and infectious diseases from spreading.

  • Ohio health officials reported in late February that in the prior three weeks, 10 people in Ohio had died from regular flu. Last flu season, 34,000 Americans died from the flu and the previous year, the total neared 80,000.
  • Ohio now has three confirmed cases of coronavirus in Cuyahoga County – two residents recently traveled internationally and the third traveled to Washington DC.
  • March 9th Governor DeWine declared a state of emergency to coordinate Ohio’s response to assist in protecting citizens. View the full declaration at https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHOOD/2020/03/09/file_attachments/1396418/Executive%202020-01D.pdf
  • Due to the national coronavirus outbreak, Hamilton Co. Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency is at Emergency Activation Level 3 – Situational Awareness & Monitoring.   HCEMA helps serve and protect the public by coordinating disaster preparedness and public safety related emergency management activities. Follow HCEMA updates on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HCEMA

Season Influenza – Info & Flu Fighter Tools

Hamilton County Public Health is urging everyone to get a flu shot –it’s not too late and the vaccine can help lessen symptoms and reduce their duration.

Ohio Department of Health has helpful tips for understanding and helping prevent flu:

https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/seasonal-influenza/welcome/

Coronavirus – Prevent and Prepare

Hamilton County Public Health Department is working in lockstep with the Ohio Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “to make sure our response plan is up-to-date, our partners are well-informed, and the healthcare community knows exactly how to handle any eventuality,” says Interim Commissioner Greg Kesterman.

Though the threat of coronavirus remains low in Ohio, Governor Mike DeWine says “We know this could change, so we have to be prepared.” He asks us to take steps help prevent the spread of infectious diseases and consider having a preparedness kit — anything you might need for a couple of weeks to stay inside your house, like food for you, kids, pets, elderly parents and medicine.

Check out these special coronavirus websites:

Hamilton County Public Health

www.HCPH.org

Ohio Department of Health

Coronavirus.Ohio.gov

https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/2019-nCoV

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Be A Flu Fighter! Use these “weapons” to help prevent flu and other infectious diseases:

  • Wash hands often with soap & water for 20 seconds; dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
  • Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
  • Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth – this is how germs are spread.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean high-touch areas – counters, tables, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, nightstands – every day using household cleaning spray or wipes according to label directions.
  • Practice good habits like getting plenty of sleep and managing stress.

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