November 28, 2012 – 5:12 p.m.
[BOONE, N.C.] – Local healthcare providers from Appalachian State University Student Health Service and Appalachian District Health Department have been working together to address one case of bacterial meningitis. An ASU student reportedly became ill while away from campus on November 25, 2012.
All people that are believed to be at-risk because of close contact with the ill person have been identified. Though these people are not sick, they have contacted and have been provided preventive medication. ASU Student Health Services is working closely with public health officials to coordinate response efforts, though there is a very low risk that this will be spread to others in the local area given the specific details in this situation. The preventive medication provided for those in close contact as a precautionary measure is effective in preventing meningitis disease.
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis include the following:
- Sudden onset of fever
- Intense headache
- Nausea and frequent vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light
If you have any of the above symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider.
For more information, call the Appalachian District Health Department at (828) 264-4995 or
visit www.apphealth.com.
November 21, 2012 – 3:00 p.m.
N.C. DHHS Encourages Flu Vaccination as Part of Holiday Preparation
Flu activity in North Carolina is higher than normal for this time of year, prompting state health officials to remind North Carolinians that now is the best time to get vaccinated for flu. “Holiday travel and visits with family may provide more opportunities for cold and flu germs to spread,” State Health Director Laura Gerald said. “Getting a flu vaccination now will reduce the chances that you will get seasonal flu and lessen the chance that you will spread it to friends and family.”
According to information collected by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Public Health, health care providers across the state, including college student health centers, already are seeing an increase in flu-like illness. “Last year, we had a mild flu season, but that is not necessarily an indicator of what we can expect this year,” said Dr. Gerald. “Our State Laboratory of Public Health handles flu tests for providers across the state and since the beginning of November, we have seen an increase in positive test results.”
Most influenza infections can be prevented by the simple act of getting the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are safe and affordable and are the single most effective way to protect yourself and your family.
Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone over 6 months old. It is particularly important for people at high risk of complications, including pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, very young children and the elderly.
This year, flu vaccine is available in several forms, including:
- nasal spray for healthy, non-pregnant people age 2 to 49 years;
- a regular flu shot for people ages 6 months and older;
- an intradermal flu shot which uses a needle 90 percent smaller than the regular flu shot and is approved for people 18 to 64 years of age; and
- a high-dose flu shot for people 65 and older.
Flu vaccine is widely available through doctors’ offices and health departments and is also available at many pharmacies, work places and other locations. Flu season in North Carolina normally peaks in January or February.
In addition to vaccination, you can prevent the spread of flu and other illness by washing your hands frequently, staying home from work or school while you are sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.
More information about flu activity and flu vaccines as well as a convenient flu vaccine finder can be found at flu.nc.gov.