During the first 2 months of 2024, 41 measles cases have been reported across 16 states, including Missouri. In all of 2023, there were only 58 cases in the U.S. Nearly one in four (24%) St. Louis adults reported hearing that measles cases were on the rise last week. Because most measles cases are reported […]
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? […]
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 […]
A recent TikTok video claimed that long-term use of Benadryl could increase your risk of dementia. Nearly one in six (16%) St. Louis adults reported hearing the claim in the last week, a 5% increase from the prior week; 93% believed it was true. Older adults 50+ were more likely to hear the claim than […]
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 […]
UPDATE (March 1, 2024): The CDC guidance on isolation with COVID & other respiratory illnesses has changed. Please use the newest resource “New CDC Guidelines”. On February 13th, The Washington Post reported that CDC would be relaxing its COVID isolation guidelines. However, CDC officials said that there are no updates to the guidelines. Despite CDC’s denial, 29% […]
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
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reopened an investigation into a Listeria outbreak after new illnesses were reported in December 2023. In last week’s iHeard survey only 19% of St. Louis adults had heard that “A Listeria outbreak was linked to dairy products.” Those under age 50 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning Americans not to use Neptune’s Fix products, which have been linked to seizures, loss of consciousness, and two deaths. When surveyed last week, only 5% of St. Louis adults said they’d heard that Neptune’s Fix was illegal and dangerous. Neptune’s Fix products contain tianeptine (pronounced: tai·uh·nep·teen), which […]
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 […]
Despite being unsupported by research, claims about COVID-19 mRNA vaccines interfering with human DNA continue to circulate. This week, one in six adults (17%) surveyed in four states said they’d heard the claim in the last 7 days; 72% of those believed it could be true. Persistence of this claim may be due to concerns […]
Respiratory infections are on the rise in St. Louis, but free face masks are harder to find. The City of St. Louis Department of Health recently issued a masking recommendation for residents due to the increased respiratory infection rates in late December: However, 1 in 7 St. Louis adults surveyed said they’ve heard that it […]
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 […]
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 […]
According to Red Cross, the number of people donating blood is the lowest it has been in 20 years. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 27% had heard about the emergency blood shortage in the last 7 days. Younger adults (<40) were less likely to hear about it than those 40 and older (14% vs. 40%), […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
Help raise awareness about lead screening options in St. Louis. 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 […]
As we ease into the winter season, the number of cases of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are increasing. Last week, almost half (44%) of St. Louis adults have heard that RSV cases are increasing, and 1 in 5 (21%) heard COVID cases are rising in nursing homes. More older adults (50+ years […]
iHeard St. Louis provides real-time, hyper-local, health information insights and resources to support local organizations. Do you know someone or some organization that would benefit from iHeard weekly alerts and social media assets? Please forward them this information so they can sign up, or share the graphic below! Suggested caption: Sign up for weekly iHeard […]
Please join us in celebrating a few iHeard accomplishments from 2023: We are grateful that you are a part of iHeard St. Louis. Together, we can enrich the health information environment in St. Louis. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous year ahead! Download the graphic below to share about this topic. Suggested caption: Want […]
Do cell phones, Wi-Fi, and 5G cause radiation poisoning? Many social media posts claim they do, and a survey of 331 adults in four states found that 20% of respondents heard the claim in the last week. In St. Louis, only 6% of adults surveyed had heard the claim, but 62% of them believed it […]
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 […]
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 […]
Infections from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Missouri have reached their highest rates since early 2023. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 27% had heard about rising RSV rates in the last 7 days. Adults ages 40 and older were more likely to hear about it than those under 40 (36% vs 19%), as were African […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. As of today, the outbreak has caused 117 illnesses, 61 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths in 34 states, including Missouri. In the last week, more than a […]
An online influencer posted a Spanish-language video on Facebook with a false claim that mammograms are not necessary or safe for women over 40. The video had 500,000+ views before it was removed. We asked adults in Missouri, Colorado and Nebraska if they had heard the claim in the last 7 days. Overall, 1 in […]
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 […]
On October 27, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers to stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to unsanitary manufacturing conditions. Last week, about 1 in 6 (16%) St. Louis adults said they had heard that eyedrops are unsafe. Almost all (92%) who heard it said it could be true. Not […]
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 […]
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 […]
Schnuck’s Markets recalled its cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches because they may contain high lead levels. This follows last week’s recall by WanaBana USA of its Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches due to possible lead contamination. Weis Markets in Pennsylvania also recalled a similar product. Only 15% of St. Louis adults heard about the WanaBana recall last […]
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. […]
Local efforts to address inaccurate health information may be working. For weeks, a social media meme has been circulating, claiming that “if vaccines worked, we wouldn’t have diseases like flu, measles and mumps.” However, the proportion of St. Louisans who believe the claim has dropped for 5 straight weeks. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, less […]
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 […]
The local supply of COVID vaccine for children is lagging, and more St. Louisans are hearing about it. Last week, one in five adults surveyed had heard that it’s hard to find COVID vaccine for young children, up 20% from the prior week. Availability of the pediatric COVID vaccine currently varies across St. Louis. Some […]
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 […]
Every U.S. household is again eligible to receive four free COVID-19 rapid test kits delivered to their homes this fall. When asked if they’d heard about the free tests in the last week, only 43% of St. Louis adults surveyed said yes. The free test kits are part of public health efforts to reduce the […]
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, […]
It’s been three weeks since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the updated COVID-19 vaccine for people six months and older. More than 1 in 3 St. Louis adults (36%) have heard about the FDA’s approval, but many are also hearing that the vaccine is hard to find in St. Louis right now. […]
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; pronounced “fen-il-ef-rin”), considered a decongestant, is listed as an active ingredient in many common over-the-counter oral cough and cold medicines. There’s just one problem: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it may not work. On September 11th, FDA held a Non-prescription Drug Advisory Committee meeting and concluded that there is […]
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 […]
In parts of the U.S., infections from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. About 1 in 5 St. Louisans (20%) say they’ve heard about the increase. RSV infection typically causes mild cold-like symptoms but can be severe among infants and older adults. Among St. Louis adults surveyed, African American community members were more […]
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 […]