Macomb, IL- Kerri Allen, RN, Administrator of the McDonough County Health Department is urging McDonough County residents to take care to stay healthy and stop the spread of viral illness in McDonough County.
“Across the state we are seeing higher than normal, for this time of year, influenza, RSV and other viral illnesses. The number of Illinois counties at elevated COVID-19 Community Level is increasing, the positivity rate for influenza is high and it’s still very early in the season. We want to make sure that we are working with our community to make sure that everyone takes care to stay healthy this season.”
The McDonough County Health Department is offering walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics December 8 and 15. The clinics are held at the MCHD office from 9am-4pm and no appointment is necessary. Anyone unable to visit the walk-in clinics may be able to schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination by calling (309) 837-9951. Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the best way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19.
Flu shots are available at all COVID-19 vaccination clinics or by appointment at MCHD. For the month of December, MCHD is offering flu shots at the discounted rate of $20. Data reporting by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates the primary strain of influenza circulating at this point in the season is Influenza-A. Influenza-A is well covered by this year’s flu shot composition. Everyone 6 months and older is urged to get a flu shot annually.
Practicing good hand hygiene is an excellent way to stop the spread of illness. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, before handling food, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose and frequently after touching commonly touched surfaces. It is also important to stay home if you are feeling sick. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, or fever, you could be spreading your illness to others. If you must go out, wearing a mask will protect others around you.
MCHD continues to offer rapid COVID-19 testing by appointment, Call (309) 837-9951 ext 2270 to schedule an appointment. COVID-19 home test kits are available for pick-up, Monday through Thursday 7:30am-5pm.