Press Releases
Year
CUPHD Offering FREE Flu Shots to Champaign County Residents
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2008
Contact
Julie Pryde, Acting Public Health Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Lori A. Holmes, Public Relations
(217) 531-2927
CUPHD Offering FREE Flu Shots to Champaign County Residents
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Citizens to Get a Flu Shot to Avoid the Worst of Influenza Symptoms
Champaign, IL – Through a generous donation by Carle Occupational Health, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is able to offer FREE flu shots for Champaign County residents ages 18 and over. CUPHD has 200 doses of flu vaccine, and encourages citizens to take advantage of this limited offer. Appointments for a FREE flu shot may be made by calling 217-531-2922.
Despite the challenges surrounding this year’s flu shot, flu vaccination remains the single most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza. Each vaccine provides proven protection against three known strains of influenza, including one strain that has been identified as making people sick this year. Flu vaccinations also provide “cross protection” for other strains of influenza, which result in milder symptoms and shorter duration of illness in most people.
“Many people believe that this year’s influenza vaccination is ineffective or that it is too late to get a flu shot”, said Jamie Perry, Nursing Services Manager for CUPHD. “This is NOT true. This year’s flu shot may not be absolute protection against every influenza strain, but it does make the illness you contract less severe. On average, it takes two weeks for a vaccination to be able to provide protection against the flu.”
Influenza is a respiratory illness with varying symptoms such as high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. Seasonal influenza is most predominate from October – May. Each year 5% to 20% of the population suffers from seasonal influenza. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die from influenza. Despite these facts, most people have some immunity to seasonal influenza, and by practicing healthy habits they can avoid becoming ill.
CUPHD currently has influenza planning resources available to the public on the web at www.stock2forflu.com. Additional materials are available at the new CUPHD location at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign.
For more information on influenza planning or any other CUPHD program, please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.
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Partnership Provides Convenient Services Specifically for Area Head Start Parents
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2008
Contact
Brandon Meline, Director of Maternal & Child Health
(217) 531-4297 /
Lori A. Holmes, Public Relations
(217) 531-2927
Partnership Provides Convenient Services Specifically for Area Head Start Parents
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Partners with Head Start to Provide Special WIC Clinics for Area Parents with Children Currently Participating in Head Start Programs
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has partnered with Head Start to provide additional access to the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program specifically for area Head Start parents. Special clinic hours will available Thursday, February 28, 2008 from 8:00am – 9:30am and 3:30pm – 7:00pm. Weekend hours will also be available Saturday, March 1, 2008 from 9:00am – 1:00pm. All clinics will be held at CUPHD at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. Participating Head Start parents are encouraged to call for appointments for FREE health screenings for their children at 217-531-4305.
“CUPHD and Head Start recognize that many local families are struggling with the burden of increased utility costs and other monthly bills and must work long hours to make ends meet”, said Brandon Meline, Director of Maternal & Child Health at CUPHD. “These special WIC clinic hours are a joint effort in an attempt to accommodate working parents with program eligible children. Many families are unaware that they may qualify for WIC assistance and we encourage them to make an appointment to determine their degree of eligibility.”
WIC provides “food instruments” for nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health and other social services to participants at no charge. WIC serves low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, and infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. Nutritional risk is determined by a certifying health professional and this health screening is free to program applicants.
To be eligible on the basis of income, family income must fall at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines (currently $38,203 for a family of four). A child that is participating in the State of Illinois Medicaid program (ALLKIDS) automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
For more information on Women, Infants & Children (WIC) or any other CUPHD program, please contact CUPHD at (217) 531-4305 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.
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Increased Seasonal Influenza Activity Reported in Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2008
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Lori A. Holmes, Public Relations
(217) 531-2927
Increased Seasonal Influenza Activity Reported in Illinois
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Citizens to Take Basic Precautions to Avoid Seasonal “Flu”
Champaign, IL – Common, or seasonal influenza is an illness familiar to everyone. With increased seasonal flu activity reported in Illinois, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) would like to urge citizens to take basic precautions to avoid contracting and spreading this illness.
Influenza is a respiratory illness with varying symptoms such as high fever, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and body aches. Seasonal influenza is most predominate from October – May. Each year 5% to 20% of the population suffers from seasonal influenza. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized, and about 36,000 people die from influenza. Despite these facts, most people have some immunity to seasonal influenza, and by practicing healthy habits they can avoid becoming ill.
Basic tips for staying healthy and avoiding seasonal influenza include:
1. Get a flu vaccination -
A flu vaccination is the single best way to prevent seasonal flu. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but you can still get vaccinated at any point during the flu season.
2. Wash your hands -
Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading influenza. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap, especially after coughing or sneezing. If warm water and soap is unavailable, the use of an alcohol-based sanitizer is recommended.
3. Cover your cough -
Influenza is an airborne contagion; therefore, it is important to cover coughs to avoid spreading the illness to others. Although most people utilize single-use tissues, it is actually better to cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Utilizing your sleeve inhibits the spread of germs through hand-to-hand or hand-to-surface contact.
4. Do not contaminate -
Remember that germs often reside on contact surfaces such as tables, door knobs, writing utensils, etc., and only need the opportunity to cause infection. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. These orifices are very susceptible to the spread of germs.
5. Keep your distance -
Avoid close contact with people experiencing symptoms of influenza. If you are ill, stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others.
6. Maintain good health -
You will be more susceptible to contracting influenza if you are not in good health. Get adequate sleep. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritionally balanced meals with fresh fruits and vegetables. Get regular exercise and attempt to manage stress. Being healthy helps protect you against influenza, or can help you overcome an existing infection without getting too sick. A strong healthy body is a strong defense against disease.
CUPHD currently has influenza planning resources available to the public on the web at www.stock2forflu.com . Additional materials are available at the new CUPHD location at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign.
For more information on influenza planning or any other CUPHD program, please contact CUPHD at (217) 352-7961 or visit CUPHD on the web at www.c-uphd.org.
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