At-home COVID and flu combo test Suggested Caption: Your favorite new “combo” may not be a meal! Now available in pharmacies and online: At-home combo COVID and flu tests. Have you heard about them? #iHeardSTL #COVID #Flu #SelfTest Use either of these resources with the suggested caption below: Suggested Caption: Test yourself for flu and […]
Tag: Infectious Communicable Disease
Food safety
Do you trust food safety? Suggested Caption: Do you have any questions about the U.S. food supply and how safety is regulated? Let us know in the comments. #iHeardSTL #FoodSafety #FDA #USDA How food recalls work Suggested Caption: Curious about the food supply and how federal agencies regulate food safety? Check out these sources to […]
Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough Suggested Caption: As of October 12, there have been more than five times as many Whooping Cough (pertussis) cases reported year-to-date compared to the same period in 2023 (CDC). That’s a lot of cases! What can you do to prevent the spread? Check your vaccination status and make sure you’re up-to-date. #iHeardSTL #WhoopingCough #GetVaccinated […]
Free COVID tests are back
4 ways to reduce the spread of COVID Suggested Caption: Want to help prevent COVID-19 from spreading? Check out these tips! Swipe for details on COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment in St. Louis. #iHeardSTL #COVID Free at-home tests are back! Suggested Caption: Last week, the government announced the return of free COVID-19 tests for the […]
Bird flu case
Missouri mystery flu case Suggested Caption: On September 6th, CDC confirmed that avian influenza A(H5), or bird flu, was detected in a Missouri patient. The patient was hospitalized but has since recovered. It’s the first case in which the patient had no known contact with an infected animal. Swipe through to learn about what we […]
COVID Vaccination
What do St. Louisans think about the updated COVID vaccine? Suggested Caption:
West Nile virus
About West Nile virus Suggested Caption: Have you been hearing about West Nile virus lately? Here’s what to know about West Nile virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. #iHeardSTL #MosquitoSeason #Mosquito #WestNileVirus #WNV About West Nile virus – Print Flyer
Is COVID-19 “endemic?”
Is COVID-19 “endemic” in the U.S.? Suggested Caption: Has COVID-19 become “endemic” in the United States? CDC says yes, but some disagree. What does endemic mean, and why does it matter? Swipe to learn more. #iHeardSTL #COVID #Pandemic #Endemic Print Version 1 Print Version 2
COVID-19 summer surge
COVID is on the rise. Again. Suggested Caption: Research shows that as COVID infections rise in a community, people take more COVID precautions. What are you doing to keep yourself and your loved ones safe? An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected in this Fall. Everyone 6 months and older can get it. #iHeardSTL #STLHealth #COVID19 […]
STI testing and prevention
Did you know syphilis cases are on the rise in the US? Suggested Caption: Syphilis is a treatable bacterial infection, and spreads through unprotected sexual contact. Testing is key! Symptoms may not be noticeable but serious health problems can still occur without treatment. Call the Saint Louis County Sexual Health Clinic at (314) 615-9736, the St. […]
Wastewater Monitoring
What is wastewater monitoring? Suggested Caption: Wastewater monitoring helps find infectious disease outbreaks. 🦠✅ When people have infections, virus and bacteria fragments enter the sewer system. Before treatment, samples are taken and tested in labs to find disease spread in a community. 🔍🌍 #iHeardSTL #WastewaterMonitoring #CommunityHealth Wastewater monitoring support Suggested Caption: 82% of respondents supported […]
Tetanus Safety
Where can I get a tetanus vaccine or check my vaccine status? Suggested Caption: With storm season in full swing, make sure you’re up-to-date on your tetanus shots and boosters! #iHeardSTL #StormCleanup #Tetanus Tetanus safety Suggested Caption: Make sure you’re up-to-date on your tetanus shots and boosters. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure about […]
Tick and Mosquito Season
Step up your defense: It’s mosquito season! Suggested Caption: It’s the start of mosquito season for many places in the U.S. including Missouri. Use these tips to help prevent mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and Malaria. #iHeardSTL #MosquitoSeason #Mosquito Step up your defense: It’s tick season! Suggested Caption: Don’t let a tick make you sick! Wear […]
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 […]
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Candida Auris Fungus Spreading in Healthcare Settings
Weekly alert: What are St. Lousians hearing about Candida auris? Suggested Caption: Nearly 1 in 3 St. Louis adults heard about a new fungus spreading between people. Adults age 40 and older were much more likely to hear it than those younger than 40. Most people heard the claim on TV and radio. The fungus […]
Hospitals & Changing Mask Rules
St. Louis area hospitals changed mask rules Suggested Caption: Last week, almost half of the St. Louis adults in our panel (47%) heard that St. Louis area hospitals are ending their mask requirements. Nearly all (97%) of those who heard it believed it. BJC HealthCare ended its masking requirement on March 23, following SSM Health […]