Local health officials are preparing for the possible spread of coronavirus. “Well, it’s in Illinois. It’s coming,” says Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch. “So when we get it or anything like that, it’s just going to be a matter of dealing with it like we did with H1N1 or anything of that nature.”
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Those interested in obtaining the overdose reversal drug Narcan continue to have resources available. Over the past year, the Marshall and Pulaski county health departments have offered training events for the public.
Continue readingThe Starke County Health Department has a new contract in place for the disposal of needles used to administer vaccinations. The county commissioners Monday approved an annual sharps disposal agreement with Stericycle. Continue reading
State health officials this week confirmed the first flu-related death of the season. No details about the person’s age or county of residence were released due to privacy laws. Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says now is the time to get your flu shot if you haven’t done so already. Continue reading
Health officials urge you to get a flu shot to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Pulaski County Health Nurse Andrea Keller said the number of cases of fever and respiratory illness has increased. Keller told WKVI News that the flu shot is the number one defense against the virus. She noted that there are plenty of flu shots available at the Pulaski County Health Department. She administers shots Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. ET.
Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch encourages patrons to stop in the office to get a flu shot. He stated that he has an ample supply of vaccinations. To help prevent the spread of the flu, wash hands often and thoroughly, sneeze and cough into a tissue and stay home if you are sick.
Summer is finally here. The hot days ahead remind us of some safety tips and guidelines to help you stay safe from the heat. Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says hydrating is a key element to staying cool.
“People need to stay hydrated, try and stay in the shade, try and stay in cool area,” said Lynch.
With this week’s heat getting up to the level it will, Lynch says anyone can be susceptible to the heat.
“Any type of diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory problems. When the heat index starts getting up to where they are supposed to be this week, anybody’s susceptible.”
Allergy sufferers are in for a long spring as the “Polar Vortex” has turned into the “Pollen/Allergy Vortex”.
The slow start to spring has delayed the blooming of trees. With the delay, the trees will be blooming at the same time grasses are blooming which will create a dramatic rise in pollen.
February, the peak of flu season, is just a couple weeks away, but Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch said it’s still not too late to get your flu shot. With the H1N1 virus now widespread across 35 states, including Indiana, it is becoming increasingly important to get those vaccinations.
Lynch said it takes about two weeks to build an immunity after getting vaccinated.
Bad news for those with allergies: experts say this fall will have the same allergen intensity as spring of this year, when pollen dusted vehicles and sniffling noses ran amok. Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch said the spring allergy season was horrible, and fall is shaping up to be just as bad.
Lynch said he doesn’t have any special tips or tricks for those who suffer from allergies, other than the typical advice; that is, avoid allergens and medicate symptoms.
“Unless you have an egg allergy or anything of that nature – if there’s some medical reason as to why your doctor recommends that you do not get a flu shot – but otherwise, CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu vaccination,” said Lynch.
“More than anything it’s just a public awareness type of deal,” Lynch said. “You know, to get out and start becoming more active – spring’s here, people should be able to get out and do a little bit more activity outside as opposed to being cooped up in the winter like we have been this winter.”
It’s not too late to get your flu shot!
A virus is making its way around the Kankakee Valley area and Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch says it will affect you for about a week or two before you’re completely over it. He reminds you to wash your hands frequently and to cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Influenza A has hit Indiana with over 130 cases reported to the Indiana State Department of Health. Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch was asked how concerned we should be with this strain of the flu.
“As concerned as we should be about seasonal flu or any other type of flu,” explained Lynch. “Right now the flu that we’re seeing is more concentrated in farmers of swine and that kind of thing.”
Lynch was quick to say that this strain of flu should not be associated with the swine flu.
An information session regarding the new statewide smoking ban was held last night at the Bass Lake Community Center, and the more than fifty people that attended learned not just what the law covers, but what procedures need to be followed in order for businesses that qualify for an exemption to receive one.
First signs of West Nile virus activity in Indiana have already been confirmed – a full month sooner than last year. Mosquitoes in Orange County have tested positive for the virus, considerably earlier than the first positive mosquitoes found last year in Mid-July. State health officials say it’s not possible to predict the severity of this year’s West Nile virus season, as temperatures and rainfall will have an impact. Last year, the virus was found in mosquitoes in 34 counties.
Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch has a number of tips for those looking to avoid mosquitoes.
“Big thing is to just be insect repellant when you’re outdoors, try to avoid mosquito-infested areas around dusk to dawn – that’s when they’re most prevalent, use your repellant, screens on the windows and doors, and any standing water – bird baths, puddles, anything like that – try to keep those cleaned out as best as possible,” said Lynch.
Starke County Health Nurse, Frank Lynch, says the State and the Health Department are reporting a lower number of flu cases.
“The last flu report I got was for the last week of 2011, but flu is actually staying a little below what we were seeing last year,” he stated.
Lynch said the reason for the reduced number of flu cases varies.
With plenty of sniffles, sneezes, and coughs abound, Starke County Health Nurse Frank Lynch wants to remind everyone that the flu vaccine is still available for adults and kids. The peak of the flu season in February and March is still on its way, but so far, cases of the flu have been down since the last flu season. The H1N1 virus isn’t any worse than last season as well, but we’re not out of the woods yet.
Lynch explains that getting the flu vaccine isn’t the only step to avoiding getting sick this season– as always, keeping those hands clean is vital.
Starke County Health Nurse, Frank Lynch, has released information about upcoming flu shot clinics.
Adult flu shots will be given on Thursday, October 13th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. CT at the Health Department in the Starke County Courthouse. A children’s flu shot clinic will be held on Thursday, October 20th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. CT. Some nasal mists will be available for children.
With the spring and summer months upon us the tick-borne Lyme Disease concern is with us.
“Deer ticks are the ones that primarily carry the Lyme Disease,” said Starke County Health Nurse, Frank Lynch. “With any tick bite, you want to keep an eye on the area where you’ve been bitten where they’ve attached themselves. Keep an eye on that area and make sure there isn’t any redness or swelling that looks like a bulls-eye mark. You’ll want to consult with your doctor whenever you come across a tick bite. It seems like this time of year, people are finding them right and left. The dogs are carrying them in and people are carrying them in on their pant legs. If the kids are playing outside, make sure you’re checking for ticks on their head and all over their body.”
