The Catskill Chronicle

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY (November 5, 2014) – Like other County Health Departments throughout New York State and the country, Sullivan County Public Health Services has been very busy over the past month focused on keeping the community and its health care and emergency response planning partners informed about preparedness efforts in response to concerns about Ebola.

It is very important that everyone understands that in order to be infected with Ebola you must have had direct contact with the bodily fluids of someone who is infected with Ebola and has symptoms. The risk of that happening to the average person here is very, very small. In addition, a person who was exposed to someone with Ebola but who has no fever and no symptoms of Ebola is not infectious to others. If you have not had direct contact with someone who is sick with or has been exposed to someone with Ebola, you are not at risk.

If you have general questions about Ebola there is a statewide information line to answer questions about Ebola. 1-800-861-2280 It is free and trained operators are available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The line is for public health information purposes only. Anyone with medical concerns should call their health care provider or 9-1-1.

Staying Healthy – Getting your Flu Shot

At this time of year it is important for those who are worried about getting sick to get remember to get a flu shot. Complications of the flu can result in the illness, hospitalization and even death of thousands of Americans each year (Centers for Disease Control). Influenza activity is low in the U.S. at this time (October 2014) and is currently sporadic throughout New York. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

Sullivan County Public Health Services will continue to hold community flu clinics while vaccine is available. There is no flu vaccine shortage. Your local doctor’s office and pharmacies also have the flu vaccine. There are also every day actions you can take this fall and winter to avoid getting sick.

1. Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid others who are sick.

2. Stay home from work or school when you are sick.

3. Cover your cough and sneeze into your elbow.

4. Get plenty of rest, eat well and drink fluids. Exercise.

Here are some key educational resources and posters for agencies and the community to share and distribute:

Ebola: Am I at Risk?

http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/ebola/docs/palm_card.pdf

Is it Flu or Ebola?

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/is-it-flu-or-ebola.pdf

The Flu and You

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/fluandyou_upright.pdf

Everyday Preventive Actions that can help fight germs like the Flu

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf

Key Facts about Influenza (Flu) & Flu Vaccine

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

You may call us with questions at (845) 292-5910 or visit our website at www.co.sullivan.ny.us / Departments and click on Public Health Services.