Poll: Bird Flu

How do milk drinkers feel about the safety of pasteurized milk? Suggested Caption: Is the U.S. milk supply safe? Yes. On May 1st, FDA announced new test results that confirmed that live (active) bird flu virus does not remain in pasteurized milk, further confirming the safety of the milk supply. Raw milk is not safe […]

UPDATE: Bird Flu

What do we know about bird flu spreading to mammals? Suggested Caption: The FDA and multiple news groups reported that particles of the bird flu virus were found in some cow’s milk samples taken from U.S. grocery stores. FDA and CDC say that based on what we know today, pasteurized milk is safe because the […]

Bird Flu

What should I know about bird flu? Suggested Caption: The bird flu virus is spreading among birds and cattle in the U.S. The risk for the general public is low; those in close contact with infected birds or cows should take precautions.  #iHeardSTL #BirdFlu  Should I be worried about getting bird flu? Suggested Caption: The […]

Sign up for iHeard St. Louis weekly alerts

Sign up for weekly alerts! Suggested Caption: Sign up for weekly iHeard St. Louis alerts and free communication resources! Visit STL.iHeard.org and click on the “sign up” button. #iHeardSTL

Walgreens Pharmacy in Jeff-Vander-Lou closing

How do I change my pharmacy? Suggested Caption: Want to change your pharmacy? It’s easy! Make sure to have info about your medications and insurance with you. Get in touch with your healthcare provider and pharmacy if you have any questions. #iHeardSTL #STL #Pharmacy Where is a nearby pharmacy? Suggested Caption: The Walgreens store in […]

Weight-loss drugs

Public understanding of weight-loss drugs is low Suggested Caption: It’s okay to have questions about weight-loss medicines. Look to sources like your doctor, Mayo Clinic, and MedlinePlus to learn more. #iHeardSTL #WeightLossDrugs #StayAware #PublicHealthEducation Fake weight-loss drugs Suggested Caption: Only 4% of adults surveyed in MD, MO and NE are confident that they could tell […]

Updated Resource: Measles

Measles is preventable! Suggested Caption: There have been 58 cases of measles so far this year. This already equals the total number of cases in ALL of 2023. The takeaway: measles is preventable. Vaccinations reduce the spread of measles & the severity of symptoms. #iHeardSTL #Measles #StayHealthy #GetVaccinated

COVID-19 Vaccine & Blood Donation

Can I give blood after getting vaccinated for COVID-19? Suggested Caption: Help spread the word: You can donate blood after getting a COVID vaccine. If the vaccine is FDA-approved and you don’t feel sick, you can give blood right away. If you don’t know which vaccine you got, wait 14 days after getting vaccinated. #iHeardSTL […]

Additional Resources: CDC Guidelines for Respiratory Illnesses

What if I get sick? Suggested Caption: As of March 1, the CDC updated guidelines for respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Take a look at Elena, Sean, Isabella, and Max’s situations for examples on how to navigate the new guidelines! The updated guidelines can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncird/whats-new/updated-respiratory-virus-guidance.html #iHeardSTL #COVIDGuidelines #CDC #STLHealth […]

Measles

Measles cases Suggested Caption: Have you been hearing about the recent measles outbreaks? Swipe to learn more about what’s going on. The takeaway: measles is preventable. Vaccinations reduce the spread of measles & the severity of symptoms. #iHeardSTL #Measles #StayHealthy #GetVaccinated Measles case increase Suggested Caption: Have you been hearing about the recent measles outbreaks? […]

CDC Guidelines for Respiratory Illnesses

UPDATE (March 1, 2024): Please use the newest resource “New CDC Guidelines” instead of the “COVID-19 Isolation” resource because the guidance on isolation with COVID has changed. New CDC Guidelines Suggested Caption: As of March 1, the CDC has announced new guidelines for respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. People who test positive […]

Anticholinergic Drug Use

Worried Benadryl is safe? Suggested Caption: Recent TikTok videos claimed that regularly using Benadryl for sleep increases your risk of dementia; scientists are still learning about this, with several studies finding an increased risk if you take the drug daily for 3+ years. Always use your medication as recommended. #iHeardSTL #Benadryl #AnticholinergicDrugs #STLHealth Allergy medication […]

Listeria Outbreak

Did you know? Suggested Caption: The CDC and FDA are investigating a Listeria outbreak linked to dairy products. Visit the FDA’s website for a complete list of products that are affected, and check your fridge! #iHeardSTL #Listeria #Queso #Cotija #FDA

Valentine’s Day 2024

International Condom Day Suggested Caption: Happy International Condom Day! When used correctly, condoms are highly effective for preventing pregnancy and STIs. Before you celebrate, be sure to choose a well-fitting, non-expired condom and put it on with the rolled side out. #iHeardSTL #SafeSex #ValentinesDay St. Louis Valentine Meme Cards Suggested Caption: Share the St. Louis […]

Product Safety Warning – Tianeptine

Did you know? Suggested Caption: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned against the use of Neptune’s Fix and any other products with tianeptine due to potential danger to consumers. It is not FDA-approved for any medical use but is illegally marketed to improve brain function and treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, pain, and […]

Vaccine Conversations

It’s okay to have questions about vaccines Suggested Caption: It’s okay to want to find answers to questions you have about vaccines. Here are a few places we recommend going to for answers:   – Your doctor or child’s doctor – Trusted medical leaders like Mayo Clinic – Dedicated health websites like MedlinePlus from the National Library […]

Masking

When should I wear a mask? Suggested Caption: Mask-wearing can help limit the spread of respiratory infections in the community. #iHeardSTL #Masks #StayHealthy #KeepSTLHealthy Printable flyer – Masking Practices Does your organization have free masks available? Let people know! Use these templates to spread the word. Suggested Caption: We have free masks! When you enter […]

Winter Weather

What should you know about winter weather? Suggested Caption: A #reminder to stay safe during cold winter weather! Here are a few tips from the CDC: ✅ Leave faucets dripping and under-sink cabinet doors open to prevent pipes from bursting✅ Wear layered clothing and use blankets to stay warm.✅Follow weather alerts in up to 5 […]

National Blood Shortage

Did you know? Suggested Caption: According to the Red Cross, the number of people donating blood is the lowest it has been in 20 years. Visit http://RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-733-2767 to find your local blood donation center and make an appointment. #iHeardSTL #RedCross #GiveBlood Donar sangre puede ayudar a salvar la vida de una persona. […]

COVID-19 + RSV

It’s not too late to get vaccinated this season. Suggested Caption: Cases of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are rising. Make sure to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, test yourself and mask in indoor public spaces. Let’s keep each other safe and healthy! Talk to your doctor if you have any questions. #iHeardSTL #COVID […]

Lead Screening

Concerned about lead exposure? Suggested Caption: St. Louis County is offering walk-in lead screenings at all three clinic locations. Lead screening services are also available to children 6 years of age and under that live in the City of St. Louis: contact your primary care provider or local Federally Qualified Health Center to schedule a […]

EMFs & radiation poisoning

Why do older adults need the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: Here’s a quick overview of what to know about claims that say cell phones, Wi-Fi and 5G internet are linked to radiation poisoning. Radiation comes in two types: ionizing and non-ionizing. High doses of ionizing radiation like X-rays may cause cancer, but there’s no evidence […]

12 days of iHeard STL 2023

Day 1: Introduction Caption: It’s that time of year! 🎉🗓️ iHeard is spending the last 12 days of 2023 reflecting on our work and sharing new insights about what St. Louisans heard this year. We surveyed 200+ St. Louisans each week and asked questions about health information. What have you heard about health in your […]

RSV Vaccination

Why do older adults need the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: The rate of RSV infection is rising right now in MO. An RSV vaccine for older adults is available and could help protect against hospitalizations. Check local vaccination options today! #iHeardSTL #RSV #RSVVaccination #GetVaccinated #RespiratoryInfection Should infants get the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: The rate […]

Food Safety – Cantaloupes

Are these in your home? Don’t eat them! Suggested Caption: The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes and urging consumers to avoid eating certain recalled cantaloupe products, including some fruit cups. Make sure you check your cantaloupe products before eating! #iHeardSTL #FDA #SalmonellaOutbreak #FoodSafety ¿Los tiene en […]

Mammograms

Are mammograms necessary for women over 40? Suggested Caption: An online influencer posted a Spanish-language video on Facebook with a false claim that mammograms are not necessary for women over 40, viewed over 500,000 times before it was removed. Overall, 1 in 8 panelists from three states (13%) heard this false claim. Hispanic respondents were […]

FDA Recall – Eyedrops

Do you use eyedrops? Suggested Caption: On October 27, the FDA warned consumers to stop using 26 over-the-counter eyedrop products. Anyone using recalled eye products should visit an eye care professional if they have eye infection symptoms such as blurry vision, discharge, pain or discomfort, redness of the eyelid, feeling like there is something in […]

FDA Recall – Fruit Pouches

WanaBana & Schnucks recall contaminated fruit pouches Suggested Caption: Parents and caregivers: don’t give your kids apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches! The FDA says they might have too much lead. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #SafetyFirst #RecallAlert  Alerta de retirada del mercado de […]

Vaccine Knowledge

If you hear this…You can say: Suggested Caption: The claim that “if vaccines worked, we wouldn’t have diseases like flu, measles and mumps,” has been circulating as a meme on social media. That claim is NOT true. Vaccines reduce the risk or severity of an illness by training our immune system to fight the illness. […]

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids

Looking for a COVID vaccine for your child? Suggested Caption: Vaccinating kids can help protect family members and keep kids in daycare and school, allowing them to safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities. Use these tips to find and schedule a vaccine for your child today! To learn more about this and […]

COVID-19 Testing

Free at-home COVID tests Suggested Caption: Did you hear? FREE at-home COVID test kits are back! Order your tests from COVIDTests.gov. Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #FreeCOVIDtests #SelfTesting Los kits […]

Seasonal Vaccines

Can I get the flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccines at the same time? Suggested Caption: Yes, you CAN get the flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccines at the same time!  Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are right for you.  To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, […]

COVID-19: Vaccines

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations at Vaccines.gov Suggested Caption: Need help finding a COVID‑19 vaccine near you? Visit Vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233. Call your local vaccine provider to check for vaccine availability and appointment times. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #StayUpdatededAndProtected! #COVIDVaccine What you […]

Oral Phenylephrine (PE)

Finding PE on over-the-counter medicine labels Suggested Caption: The FDA recently advised that there is insufficient evidence to support oral phenylephrine as a decongestant ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products. To find and avoid this ingredient when looking at oral decongestant medicine this season, check the “Active Ingredients” label on the back of […]

RSV Vaccine

Version 1: Did you know? Version 2: Did you know? Suggested Caption: 1 in 5 St. Louisans say they’ve heard about the increase in RSV infections. A new RSV immunization for infants and vaccine for older adults and pregnant people is now available and could help protect against hospitalizations from RSV this year. To learn […]

COVID-19: Vaccines & Variants

Weekly alert: New variants. New vaccine. What are people hearing? Suggested Caption: The CDC has confirmed two new COVID variants: EG.5 (Eris) and BA.2.86 (Pirola). EG.5 is now the most common variant, accounting for about 20% of cases. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL […]

COVID-19 Testing

Free at-home COVID tests Suggested Caption: Here’s what you need to know about ordering free COVID-19 tests again:– Limit of one order per residential address– One order includes 4 individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests (COVIDTests.gov has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates)– Orders will ship free starting the […]

COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 Cases Rising Suggested Caption: iHeard asked St. Louisans if they had heard “COVID cases are rising” at the end of August. Almost half (46%) said “yes.” More people (11%) also reported taking more frequent precautions (such as wearing masks, washing their hands often, avoiding close contact with others, and avoiding large indoor gatherings). This […]

Maternal & Child Health

Weekly alert: Postpartum depression Suggested Caption: Following the FDA approval of the first postpartum depression pill on August 4, iHeard asked St. Louisans if they had heard about the approval. Almost three in ten (29%) said “yes.” Postpartum depression is a medical condition where a woman feels sad, anxious, and tired after giving birth. It […]

Hospital Changes in St. Louis

Weekly alert: Be aware of hospital changes in St. Louis Suggested Caption: DePaul Hospital will end Level II trauma services on September 10th due to a low number of trauma patients. The hospital will continue Level I trauma care for treating conditions like heart attacks and strokes. To learn more about this and other health […]

COVID Vaccines & Young Athletes

Weekly alert: Are COVID vaccines safe for young athletes? Suggested Caption: Although only a few (9%) of surveyed STL adults have heard COVID-19 vaccines cause heart problems among young athletes, two-thirds (67%) of those who heard it believed it. Multiple scientific studies have found no evidence of an increased risk of cardiac arrest after COVID […]

Summer Heat

Weekly alert: Summer heat waves Suggested Caption: Did you hear? Ameren is working to support customers with the Keeping Current & Keeping Cool payment assistance programs. Summer heat waves and excessive heat can be dangerous for children, older adults, people with heart conditions, and those who work outside. Cool Down St. Louis provides families with […]

Gun Violence

Weekly alert: What would reduce gun violence in STL? Suggested Caption: In a poll from June 24-26, St. Louis adults rated gun violence as the biggest health problem in St. Louis. Three weeks later, in a follow-up survey, 37% selected “banning semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles” as the most effective way of reducing gun violence […]

Youth Mental Health

Weekly alert: Let’s help protect mental health Suggested Caption: iHeard asked panel members were hearing about the reason for declining teen mental health. The most cited was social media use (53%), followed by social and cultural division in the U.S. (12%) and gender and sexual identity (8%). The coronavirus pandemic (5%), school shootings (4%), and […]

Aspartame Sweeteners and Energy Drinks

Weekly alert: Aspartame sweeteners and energy drinks Suggested Caption: iHeard surveyed St. Louisans to learn what they’ve been hearing about two nutritional products – aspartame sweeteners and new energy drinks. 45% have heard that aspartame sweeteners might cause cancer, while 28% were informed about the investigation into potential health risks associated with new energy drinks. […]

Youth Safe Spaces

Weekly alert: Organizations expand access to safe spaces for young people Suggested Caption: At least 3 out of 10 (31%) surveyed St. Louis adults have heard that more organizations are expanding access to safe places for young people in St. Louis. Older people (40+ years) are more likely to have heard this information than younger […]

Top Health Concerns in St. Louis

Weekly alert: Top health concern in St. Louis is gun violence Suggested Caption: iHeard asked St. Louis adults what they considered the biggest and second biggest health problem facing St. Louis. By a landslide margin, most people named gun violence the area’s biggest health problem. Other notable problems include mental health, healthcare access and cost, […]

New Mammogram Guidelines

Weekly alert: New mammogram guidelines – what to know Suggested Caption: On May 9, 2023, after considering scientific evidence, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended lowering the screening age for breast cancer to 40 years for women with an average risk of breast cancer. Only 19% of St. Louis adults surveyed heard about the […]

Free Gun Locks

Weekly alert: Free gun locks Suggested Caption: Guns are the leading cause of death for US children and teens, since surpassing car accidents in 2020. In response to this crisis and a growing number of recent child firearm injuries in St. Louis, SSM Health and some other St. Louis hospitals began offering free gun locks […]

AI & Healthcare

Weekly alert: AI in healthcare Suggested Caption: When it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, St. Louis adults report limited understanding. Only 8% of our panel reported a strong grasp of AI concepts.Most respondents indicated they understood AI only “somewhat well” (61%) or admitted to knowing it “not well at all” (30%). AI’s potential […]