We will be setting up Flu Clinics Soon! Watch our web page and Follow us on Facebook for more information.
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IDPH News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2014
Contact: Polly Carver-Kimm
Three Strains of Influenza Currently Circulating in Iowa
Flu vaccination is still best protection against illness
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) says all three flu viruses covered by this year’s vaccine - A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B - are currently circulating in Iowa. Nationally, an additional A(H3N2) strain is accounting for about half the illness seen across the country so far this year. The CDC today announced the current influenza vaccine does not offer as effective protection against this strain. So far, this ‘drifted’ strain of the A(H3N2) virus has not been confirmed by testing in Iowa.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and CDC remind Iowans the influenza vaccine is still the best way to protect against the flu. Additionally, Iowans should be reminded that anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu.
“In years when A(H3N2) viruses dominate, we tend to have more severe flu seasons with more hospitalizations and death,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Since antiviral medications only work well if taken very early in the illness – usually within 48 hours - it is even more important to see your doctor right away if you have flu symptoms so you can begin the medications.” This is especially true for the very young, very old, women who are pregnant, and those with chronic diseases like heart or lung disease. These individuals are more likely to be at risk for severe complications of the flu, including being hospitalized and dying.
Many people assume there is no treatment for the flu beyond over-the-counter medications and rest. There are actually two anti-viral medications a doctor can prescribe which make flu illness milder, shorter, and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. Antivirals work best if started within 48 hours or sooner of when flu symptoms begin.
“Our message to Iowans is clear,” said Dr. Quinlisk. “The best way to prevent the flu is the influenza vaccine. The best way to lessen complications of the flu is antiviral medication. The best way to prevent the spread of flu is to stay home when ill.”
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. Influenza may cause severe illness or even death.
IDPH conducts year-round influenza surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network, and posts a flu report weekly. For more information about where and what kind of influenza is in Iowa, go to www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx?pg=FluHome.
Ebola preparedness continues
IDPH continues to work diligently to ensure public health and the state health care system are prepared should a case of Ebola be reported in Iowa. There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of Ebola in Iowa and none of the individuals currently under Ebola-related health orders are exhibiting symptoms of Ebola. All individuals under orders are cooperative. IDPH continues to conduct weekly briefing webinars for local public health, hospitals, and EMS, in addition to working closely with the Iowa Hospital Association and state agency partners. Links to guidance, checklists, and factsheets are available on the IDPH Ebola web page.
Chickasaw County Application for Employment
ACA Healthcare Reform Impact Study
As uninsured Iowans become enrolled in new health plan options available through the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan (IHAWP) and the Marketplace, IDPH anticipates that some healthcare services the Department has historically funded may become covered benefits under new plans, changing the demand for IDPH-funded services.IDPH contracted with the Milliman actuarial firm to better understand the impact of state-level healthcare reform on certain IDPH programs and healthcare services. While the exact impacts of the ACA remain complex and difficult to predict, this ACA Impact Study represents an initial step in understanding the multiple complex considerations IDPH has identified related to the direct healthcare services the Department has historically funded, and will help IDPH quantify likely changes in the demand for its services and related program and funding implications. A summary of the Milliman study will be posted to the IDPH web page soon.
Check your inbox
The Title V Needs Assessment Prioritization Survey is now open for public input and will close December 8th. To ensure a comprehensive assessment of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) population needs, we are soliciting input from a wide variety of stakeholders. A survey link will be emailed to stakeholders this week. Participants will be provided with links to Data Detail Sheets to assist in learning about each topic area and the needs statements. Each need statement will be ranked using six criteria selected by the needs assessment team. Results of the prioritization survey will be used to direct the MCH and Child Health Specialty Clinic (CHSC) programs for the next five-year project period.
The Iowa Department of Public Health’s Iowa Get Screened: Colorectal Cancer program, the American Cancer Society, and the Iowa Cancer Consortium have launched a free online training to teach providers and healthcare professionals how to engage their entire staff, implement policy and system changes, utilize a continuous improvement model to measure practice progress, and receive useful tools and resources to help increase cancer screening rates in busy practices. This training uses interactive, audiovisual demonstrations to show providers how they can engage their entire staff to identify appropriate patients, provide recommended screenings and encourage timely follow-up for recommended cancer screenings.
Quality improvement success
The IDPH Ryan White Part B program kicked off its formal Quality Management Program by hosting the first quality management team meeting. The team will meet quarterly, and will examine performance measures and continuous quality improvement activities for the Ryan White Part B program.
All Title V contractors with a school-based dental sealant program will now use the same data recording system to submit standardized data to the IDPH Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems (Oral Health Center).This system was initially developed for sealant contractors in order to allow IDPH to have consistent reporting of the program results, oral health status, and other indicators. The data recording system has been fine-tuned and by extending it to the additional programs, it will provide a more comprehensive, statewide review about the program benefit and the oral health of Iowa schoolchildren.
Congrats and kudos
Gloria Vermie, director of the Iowa State Office of Rural Health, has received the Distinguished Andrew W. Nichols Awardfrom the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), given each year to an individual who has made a significant contribution to NOSORH.
Binnie LeHew of the IDPH Sexual Violence Prevention program has begun a one-year term as President-Elect of the Safe States Alliance, representing injury and violence prevention professionals.
IDPH Communications Director Polly Carver-Kimm has been elected Vice-President of the National Public Health Information Coalition. She was also re-elected as Region 7 Director.
IDPH and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach have received the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association’s (APA) award for the I-WALK program. I-WALK has helped more than 30 Iowa communities assess their walkability infrastructure with the ultimate goal of initiating improvements.
IDPH Office of Minority and Multicultural Health Advisory Council Member Lou Ellen Brown has received the Karen Packer Award from the Iowa Cancer Consortium.
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Do your children have the immunizations required for 2014-15 school year?
Give Chickasaw County Public Health and Home Care Services a call at 641-394-4053 to double check with us.