As community transmission cases in our county continue to increase, it is becoming more difficult for healthcare providers to contact positive cases the same day results are received. We have made some changes within our calling procedures to help streamline and make our necessary calls more efficient. We also appreciate the patience of our community as we work through this influx of cases.

If you have received a positive test result it is critical that you self-isolate at home, even if you have not heard from the health department yet. The same is true if you know you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19; you need to begin a 14-day quarantine starting from the last day of exposure. More information on isolation and quarantine can be found on our website under the Isolation & Quarantine Guidelines tab.

PCHD case investigations are prioritized to meet the state ordered mandates. The current state mandates require that PCHD completes case investigations for school age youth, cases associated with a school exposure, individuals 65+ years old, and cases associated with a long-term care facility before other cases. Cases that do not fall into these categories will likely experience a delay in initial contact.

For basic COVID-19 information you can call the Missouri COVID-19 Hotline 7 days a week from 7am-9pm at 877-435-8411. You may also use our COVID-19 contact form online, or call our office at 573-324-2111 ext. 135. If you are in need of a release letter for work or school you may use our online form or call our office 573-324-2111 ext. 140.

Any gatherings without precautions should be avoided in the coming months. These high-risk interactions can cause COVID-19 to spread rapidly through multiple households. This puts the entire community at risk as people are considered contagious 2 days before they develop symptoms.

Precautions you can take are simple:
• Stay 6 feet apart from those who do not live with you
• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands

Once again, we are urging Pike County residents to take personal action to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Our staff has been working tirelessly for the past 9 months, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, but we cannot do it without your help. Your willingness to participate in mitigation strategies has a direct impact on our ability keep the rest of our community healthy and thriving.

This year, the flu vaccine is more important than ever before
DHSS urges Missourians to get vaccinated

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — In a typical year, over 100,000 Missourians become sick from the flu. Many Missourians of all ages become seriously ill and some are hospitalized. 2020 is anything but typical, and state health officials are urging Missourians to get the flu vaccine by the end of October.

“We always put individual patients first, and because of that, we are concerned that fewer than half of Missouri adults typically get a flu vaccine. This year, we want to do better. Do it for yourself, or do it to protect your loved ones,” said Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). “As the Governor has said, we are not powerless against COVID-19. This also applies to the flu. One measure you can take to protect yourself during this time of COVID-19 is to get a flu vaccine.”

Symptoms of flu and COVID-19 significantly overlap one another. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. It is unknown how a person could be affected by experiencing both viruses at the same time.

“To ensure our state has the capacity to care for COVID-19 patients, we need to do whatever we can to prevent strain on our health care system and keep Missourians healthy,” said  Williams. “Flu vaccines are therefore important to the COVID-19 fight. Preventing flu means fewer unnecessary medical visits and hospitalizations. Preventing flu also reduces disruptions to our daily lives – at home, at work, at school.”

DHSS is working closely with local public health agencies to increase immunization rates among adult populations who are most at risk for contracting COVID-19. Ancillary supplies and vaccine transport coolers have also been purchased for local providers to host adult flu vaccine clinics or offer curbside or drive-through clinics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided Missouri with an additional 300,000 adult flu vaccines to meet what is expected to be an increased demand.

“While the effectiveness of the vaccine varies from year to year, studies have shown some protection is better than none at all,” said Williams. “You are less likely to spread the virus to those around you if vaccinated, and it has also been shown to cause symptoms to be more mild if you do become infected.”

Groups of people at high risk for flu-related complications include children age 5 and under, adults older than 65, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions such  as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. Those who are in a high risk group and experience symptoms of the flu should contact their primary health care provider.

Flu vaccines are already becoming available, and it is recommended annually for everyone 6 months and older without an increased risk for a serious adverse reaction. Contact your health care provider, or find a location near you using VaccineFinder.

DHSS will launch a multimedia public awareness campaign starting Oct. 1 that focuses on the people–friends, family, front-line workers–who are protected when one person gets vaccinated.

For more information, visit health.mo.gov/flu.

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Attached Photo: Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director, received his flu vaccination this morning, September 25, at the Cole County Health Department. 

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at http://health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo