LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Since 2004

Tag: fever

  • Ohio Department of Health classifies 2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) immediately reportable disease

    Ohio Department of Health classifies 2019-novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) immediately reportable disease

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the risk to the American public is low. 

    A News Release from the Ohio Department of Health

    COLUMBUS — Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), declared novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), an immediately reportable disease.

    By issuing a Director’s Journal Entry, Dr. Acton elevated 2019-nCoV to a Class A disease. This is a proactive step to ensure appropriate reporting of suspected cases, should the need arise in Ohio. No cases have been reported in Ohio to date. However, one case has been reported in Washington state and this step helps reinforce Ohio’s ongoing preparedness work.

    The Ohio Department of Health has been closely monitoring developments related to 2019-nCoV in tandem with the Centers for Disease Control. 2019-nCoV is considered a low risk to the American public, according to the CDC.

    Classifying a disease as Class A means that confirmed or suspected cases of 2019-nCoV must be reported immediately to the local health district where the person lives (or the local health district where the person is being evaluated if the person’s residence is unknown or not in Ohio). Required reporters include physicians providing care, administrators in charge of hospitals, clinics or other institutions providing care or treatment, laboratory administrators, or any individual having knowledge of a person with nCoV.

    What is 2019-nCoV?

    An outbreak of 2019-nCoV started in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. Chinese authorities are reporting an ongoing spread of the virus in the community and so far more than 830 individuals are ill and 25 people have died. As families prepare to celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year this week, multiple international travel advisories have been issued to help curb the spread of the illness.

    2019-nCoV is part of a large family of coronaviruses, some of which cause illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. This happened with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2014, and now 2019-nCoV. These viruses may cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

    How is Ohio tracking 2019-nCoV?

    Ohio’s public health system includes a team of state experts, local health departments, and local partners that perform daily monitoring of reportable diseases, including 2019-nCoV. ODH is closely monitoring the 2019-nCoV situation in lockstep with the Centers for Disease Control and is ready to respond if a case is reported in Ohio.

    “This situation is at the heart of public health,” said Dr. Acton. “We are working proactively with healthcare providers and local health districts/partners to identify and appropriately address emerging threats like novel Coronavirus.”

    What happens if a case is reported?

    • A case or suspected case of 2019-nCoV is reported to a local health department.
    • ODH reports to the CDC and, if indicated, patient specimens will be collected and shipped.
    • Currently, testing for this virus must take place at CDC.
    • ODH will work with local, state, and federal partners to investigate reports of 2019-nCoV in order to identify cases and prevent the spread of infection.

    What can you do to limit risk?        

    If you suspect you may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV because you have traveled to China or have been around people who may have been exposed and/or are exhibiting symptoms, contact your healthcare provider and let them know you may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV before visiting the healthcare facility. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take precautionary steps to keep other people from being exposed.

    Just as with influenza and other illnesses, it’s critical to protect yourself. Experts at the Ohio Department of Health recommend these tips:

    • Practice good hand hygiene.
    • Follow appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette.
    • Don’t go to work or school when you feel ill. Stay home and rest.
    • Avoid exposure to others who are sick.

    “Anticipatory action like this is critical to ensuring that we are protecting Ohioans,” Dr. Acton said. “It is our sincere hope that this virus does not spread but if it does, Ohio’s public health system is prepared.”

    Although 2019-nCoV is an emerging illness, the Ohio Department of Health has addressed similar issues in the past including two previous coronavirus outbreaks, MERS in 2014 and SARS in 2003.

    In addition to the latest work of declaring 2019-nCoV a Class A disease, ODH also routinely collaborates with healthcare providers, local health departments, local health partners, and the CDC to share information and best practices for addressing other potential infectious diseases.

    For more information about 2019-nCoV, visit our website at www.odh.ohio.gov.

  • Ohio Department of Health urges earlier vaccination as flu season approaches

    Ohio Department of Health urges earlier vaccination as flu season approaches

    With the approach of flu season, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is recommending all Ohioans 6 months and older get a flu shot as soon as possible. The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging vaccination by the end of October.

    Flu activity traditionally begins to increase in October.

    Flu activity traditionally begins to increase in October and can last as late as May, with cases typically peaking between December and February. CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the best protection against seasonal flu viruses. Flu vaccines have been updated this year to better match circulating flu viruses.

    Flu vaccines have been updated this year to better match circulating flu viruses.

    “Flu vaccination can help keep you from getting sick, missing work or school, and prevent flu-related hospitalization and death,” said Sietske de Fijter, State Epidemiologist and Chief, Bureau of Infectious Diseases. “Getting your flu shot helps protect all, including older adults, very young children, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions who are more vulnerable to serious flu complications.” Symptoms of influenza can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

    “If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading it to others,” said de Fijter.

    Although most people fully recover from the flu, some experience severe illness like pneumonia and respiratory failure, and the flu can sometimes be fatal. People who think that they may have the flu and are pregnant, have an underlying medical condition, or who are extremely ill should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

    Other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading it include: washing hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing or sneezing into elbows; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when sick and until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.

    Flu vaccines are offered by many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers and some schools. While vaccination provides the greatest protection against the flu, other effective ways to avoid getting or spreading it include: washing hands frequently or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or coughing or sneezing into elbows; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; and staying home when sick and until fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.

    CDC recommends that healthcare providers administer prescription antiviral medication as a second line of defense as soon as possible to patients with confirmed or suspected flu who are hospitalized, have severe illness, or may be at higher risk for flu complications.

    More information about influenza and flu activity in Ohio is available at www.flu.ohio.gov.

    New classes starting September 4th at Sangha Yoga in Historic Downtown

    Advertisement Sangha Yoga Studio in Loveland is offering 60 minute AM Yoga classes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, beginning September 4th at 9:30 AM.

  • With the Arrival of Warm Weather in Ohio, Be Sure to Prevent Tick, Mosquito Bites and the Diseases They Carry

    With the Arrival of Warm Weather in Ohio, Be Sure to Prevent Tick, Mosquito Bites and the Diseases They Carry

    Diseases spread by ticks and mosquitos include Lyme disease and West Nile virus

    As Ohioans spend more time outdoors with the arrival of warm weather, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is urging people to take precautions to prevent bites from ticks and mosquitos and the diseases they may carry.

    There were 270 Lyme disease cases and 34 Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases reported in Ohio last year.

    Most diseases in Ohio that are caused by the bite of infected ticks and mosquitos happen between spring and fall when they are most active during warmer months. The most common diseases caused by tick bites in Ohio include Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. There were 270 Lyme disease cases and 34 Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases reported in Ohio last year. The most common diseases caused by mosquito bites in Ohio include West Nile virus and La Crosse virus. There were 34 West Nile virus cases including five deaths, and 13 La Crosse virus cases reported in Ohio last year.

    “You can take some simple precautions at home and when traveling to prevent potentially serious diseases caused by the bite of infected ticks and mosquitos,” said ODH Medical Director Dr. Clint Koenig. He recommends that people who get sick after being bitten by a tick or mosquito contact their healthcare provider, particularly if they have symptoms like a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue or a rash.

    Here are some tips to avoid tick bites: 

    • Walk in the middle of trails. Avoid tall grass, brush and leaf litter.
    • Use EPA-registered repellents labelled for use against ticks on skin. Always follow the label instructions. EPA-registered repellents are safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 
    • Treat clothing and gear such as pants, boots, socks and tents with a product containing permethrin, or buy permethrin-treated clothing and gear. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
    • Wear long pants, long sleeves and long socks. Tuck pant legs into socks.
    • Wear light colors to make it easier to see ticks.

    Check yourself, your children and pets thoroughly for ticks after spending time in areas that may contain ticks.  If you find a tick attached to the body, here are some tips for safely removing them:Tick removal diagram

    • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
    • Pull it away from your skin with steady, even pressure.
    • Do not twist or jerk the tick which can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin.  If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers.  If you are unable to remove the mouth-parts easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
    • Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or any other “folk” remedies to remove a tick as these methods do not work.
    • Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet.  Never crush a tick with your fingers.
    • Wash your hands and the bite area with soap and water.

    Mosquitoes can live indoors and outdoors, and some types bite during the day while others bite at dusk and dawn. Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites:

    • Use EPA-registered repellents according to label instructions.  
    • Wear long sleeves, long pants and long socks when outdoors.
    • Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with an EPA-registered repellent will give extra protection. 
    • Treat clothing and gear such as pants, boots, socks and tents with a product containing permethrin, or buy permethrin-treated clothing or gear. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
    • Mosquito-proof your home:
      • Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
      • Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water on a regular basis from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths.

    Additional information and resources are available on the ODH website at “Ohio.gov/ticks” and “Ohio.gov/mosquitos.”

                                                                                                                                                           

    StartTalking

    Did You Know: Children of parents who talk to their teens about drugs are up to 50% less likely to use. Start the conversation:StartTalking.Ohio.Gov

  • Sycamore and Country Day systems are experiencing high levels of influenza

    Sycamore and Country Day systems are experiencing high levels of influenza

    The Loveland District has not noticed any unusual flu-related illnesses, “Outside of a normal school year during flu season.”

    Schools in the Sycamore and Country Day systems are experiencing high levels of influenza (flu) and influenza-like illnesses, according to Hamilton County Public Health surveillance. Sycamore has reported 40 cases, while Country Day has reported 80.

     “As we all know, we are in the midst of a tough flu season,” says Hamilton County Health Commissioner, Tim Ingram.  “It’s important to remain vigilant and practice good prevention techniques, especially for seniors, the very young and school-aged children.”

    Vicki Falconi-Young, the District Nurse at Loveland High School told Loveland Magazine this morning that the District has not noticed any unusual flu-related illnesses, “Outside of a normal school year during flu season.”



    Hamilton County Public Health recommends:

    1. Get a flu vaccination
    2. Take everyday preventive actions, including:
      1. Stay away from sick people;
      2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
      3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;
      4. Wash hands frequently – clean hands prevent the spread of illness;
      5. Stay home if you are ill. In schools, separate sick children from the rest of the school population until they are able to get home. Keep children and staff home until they are without fever for 24 hours.
      6. For schools, clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces such as desks, door handles, keyboards, etc.
    3. Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

    According to the Health District, “It’s not too late to get vaccinated. As long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, even in February or later. There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine.”

    1. While flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, it is the best way to prevent flu illness and serious flu complications, including those that can result in hospitalization.
    2. Even with vaccine effectiveness in the range of 30 to 60 percent, flu vaccination prevents millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations each year.

    For more information on seasonal influenza and its prevention, visit hcph.org.

    Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab

      Loveland chiropractor Douglas Portmann, DC at Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab is one of the best chiropractors in the Loveland area