A Moment with Marley

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we we want to talk about a very timely topic of when is sick too sick for school. This time of year, it is common for children to have a runny or stuffy nose, but when is it okay to send your child to school and when should you keep them home?
One of our Public Health Nurses who works in a Meriden school is here to provide you with some tips on when to send your children to school, when to keep them home, and when you should follow up with their doctor. If you ever have any questions, please contact the public health nurse at your child’s school for further guidance.
Children are okay to come to school if:
They have a runny nose or just a little cough, but no other symptoms.
They have not taken any fever reducing medicine in 24 hours, and they have not had a fever during that time, or.
They have not thrown up or had any diarrhea in 24 hours.
Children should stay at home if:
They have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher; they should be kept home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medicine.
They are diagnosed with a respiratory virus such as influenza, RSV, or COVID-19. They can return to school when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
Their symptoms are getting better overall, and
They have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medicine).
They are throwing up or have diarrhea, or.
Their eyes are pink and crusty, which could be a sign of pink eye.
You should follow up with their doctor if:
They have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher for more than two days.
They have been throwing up or have diarrhea for more than two days.
They still have asthma symptoms after using their asthma medication (and call 911 if they still having trouble breathing after using an inhaler), or
They have a rash that is blistering, widespread, or of unknown origin.
When in doubt, it is always best to follow up with your child’s doctor. For information on respiratory virus disease prevention, please visit our website at www.meridenhealth.com.  

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, your local health department would like to talk about how eating a balanced, nutritious diet can help support your immune system this winter.
Whether you're looking to fight off the common cold, reduce inflammation, or just keep your immune system running at its best, today’s episode will give you the tools and insights you need to nourish your body with the right foods.
Let’s start off by talking about what immunity actually is. Immunity is the body’s ability to defend itself against harmful germs like viruses, bacteria, and more. Your immune system is like a security system – it is always working to keep you safe from things that can make you sick.
In order to support your immune system and keep it working at its best it needs the right kind of fuel. That’s where nutrition comes in.
When you eat a well-balanced diet, you’re providing your body with the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to build up a strong immune defense.
Here are some tips on how to eat a well-balanced diet:
The more colors of food on your plate, the more likely you are getting a wide range of nutrients. Think leafy greens, orange and yellow veggies, and blue and red berries. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect your immune system. 
Stay Hydrated by drinking water. Staying hydrated is essential for the cells in your body function properly. Aim for at least eight cups of water a day, more may be needed based on your activity level.
Limit surgery foods or drinks as they can weaken your immune system by promoting inflammation. While an occasional treat is fine, try to keep these foods to a minimum and focus on whole, nutrient-dense food options.
And finally, don't skip meals. Eating regular, balanced meals helps to keep your immune system functioning properly. Skipping meals or constantly snacking on junk food can deprive your body of the fuel it needs to fight off illness.
But remember – nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle. Getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying active, and washing your hands regularly are also crucial for staying healthy. 

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are kicking off National Influenza Vaccination Week by reminding you that it is not too late to get your flu shot.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health – and our office - recommends that everyone 6 months and older get their annual flu shot.
Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor's offices, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
Anyone can get flu (including healthy people), and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), those who are pregnant, and children younger than five years of age.
Our Public Health Clinic provides flu shots Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. We will also be open until 6:00pm on December 9 and 30.
Flu shots are free for Meriden residents ages 18 and younger regardless of health insurance status. The cost of the flu shot is $20; we also have FluBlok available for $40. Cash and check are accepted. We accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, and other select health insurance plans.
Call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment or if you have questions.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to talk about some asthma tips for cold weather. 
As the weather gets colder, people with asthma may find themselves feeling a difference in their breathing.
 When you have asthma, your airways are always a little swollen, but triggers can cause the swelling to increase and extra mucus to be produced, making it hard to breathe. Cold weather in particular is a common asthma trigger because cold, dry air can irritate a person’s airways causing coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. 
Though winter brings its challenges, by being prepared you can learn to manage your symptoms and avoid triggers so you can enjoy this time of year.
If cold air is a trigger for you, the best way to keep in control is to stay indoors on the coldest days. Some experts suggest any day when temperatures drop below 10 degrees F is a dangerous time to venture outside. In these cases, consider moving outdoor activities, like exercise, to an indoor climate-controlled environment. 
The more severe your asthma is the more likely cold weather can cause a flare up, so follow these guidelines:
Stay on top of taking any daily medications and always have your inhaler available to use if symptoms begins.
If you must go outside loosely, wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth to warm the air before it enters your lungs. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Before you venture outdoors for cold air activities, consult with your healthcare provider about using your quick-relief inhaler about 20-30 minutes prior to the activity.
Another way to manage your asthma is by having an updated asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is an individualized plan that shows you the steps to take to keep your asthma from getting worse and provides guidance on when to call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room. 
Children with asthma should have an asthma action plan that is shared with their school, daycare provider, or before/after school programs. This is in addition to orders for inhalers or other medication that would need to be administered by the school nurse or administrator in other childcare settings.  
If you have questions about how to manage your asthma symptoms or about an asthma action plan it is best to contact your healthcare provider. 

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we want to talk about how to avoid respiratory illnesses this fall and winter. Our community is seeing cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
We tend to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, as the weather gets colder and people are inside more. You can protect yourself and others by following these tips:
We can’t say it enough - wash those hands frequently with soap and water. When soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Cover your coughs and sneezes by using a tissue or cough and sneeze into your elbow. It is important to not cough or sneeze into your hands to avoid spreading germs to others. Remember - wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If you have respiratory virus symptoms, stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick). Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, runny nose, and headache.
Clean high-touch surfaces often, such as light switches, doorknobs, countertops, TV remotes, and electronics – including your cell phone. If you have children, cleaning toys and other commonly used products can also prevent the spread of germs that can cause respiratory illness. 
And finally, stay up-to-date with recommended vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. It is best to talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines are best for you. If you are still in need of a flu shot, call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment. 

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to talk about a common question we get in our Public Health Clinic about flu shots. 
One common question from parents and caregivers is “Why is the flu shot required for children 6 months and over who attend daycare, preschool, or other childcare program but not children in K-12 school”? 
As your local health department, we recommend vaccination against the flu for everyone 6 months of age and older; however, the vaccine is not a requirement for k-12 school attendance.  
The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health requires children, ages 6 months and older, who attend school or daycare to get certain vaccines. For pre-kindergarten, licensed childcare centers, group home daycares, or family day care attendance, the annual flu shot is required each year by December 31. The flu shot is not required for K-12 grade school attendance (but we recommend it!).
The flu shot is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu, and is required for children attending a childcare program for a few reasons. 
One, it protects vulnerable children. Children under 5 have higher rates of respiratory virus infections such as the flu and are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu including pneumonia and hospitalization. 
Second, it can reduce possible outbreaks. Childcare settings are ideal for the flu to spread because of close contact between children, and children are effective at spreading germs! Vaccination helps reduce the number of respiratory illnesses in these environments.
And third, it prevents community spread. Children can easily spread the flu to loved ones including other vulnerable populations such as individuals 65 and older or individuals with chronic medical conditions. 
If your child still needs their annual flu shot – we’ve got you covered!
Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street provides free flu shots for Meriden residents 18 and younger regardless of health insurance status. Call us at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are reminding you to get your flu shot before your Thanksgiving gatherings! 
It is not too late to get your flu shot. The week of November 3 is the perfect time to get your flu shot as it take up to two weeks to take full effect. Flu viruses usually begin circulating in communities in late fall and early winter, and activity often spikes around the holidays when people are gathering indoors and traveling. Here in Meriden we are starting to see influenza activity.
Getting vaccinated before a major gatherings like Thanksgiving helps you protect yourself and loved ones, including those at higher risk of serious illness such as individuals 65 years and older, people with certain chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, pregnant women and children younger than 5 years old.
As your local health department, we recommend vaccination against the flu for both adults and children. If you still need to get your seasonal flu shot - we’ve got you covered!
Make an appointment today to visit our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street for your flu shot. Flu shots are free for Meriden residents ages 18 and younger regardless of health insurance status. For adults, the cost of the flu shot is $20; we also have FluBlok available for $40. Cash and check are accepted. We accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, and other select health insurance plans. Call us at (203) 630-4234.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are wrapping up our last week of Flu Fact Friday, where, for the month of October, we have been providing weekly information about seasonal influenza.
It’s October 31 - Happy Halloween! Say boo to the flu this year by getting your flu shot! This week we want to emphasize the important of getting your seasonal flu shot. 
The Connecticut Department of Public Health – and our office - recommends that everyone 6 months and older get their annual flu shot. 
Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor's offices, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.
Anyone can get flu (including healthy people), and serious problems related to flu can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), those who are pregnant, and children younger than five years of age.
While getting your flu shot by the end of October is ideal, our office provides the adult and child flu vaccine well into the winter. Flu shots are free for Meriden residents ages 18 and younger regardless of health insurance status. The cost of the flu shot is $20; we also have FluBlok available for $40. Cash and check are accepted. We accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, and other select health insurance plans. Call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment.
 

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we would like to talk about a common myth that the flu is just a bad cold.
MYTH: The flu is just a really bad cold.
FACT: False! In general, flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are typically more intense and begin more abruptly.
While the flu and the common cold are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses. And because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone.
Colds are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose than people who have flu. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalizations.
Flu can have serious associated complications, such as pneumonia or inflammation of the heart. Flu also can make chronic medical problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu, and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu.
Anyone can get sick with the flu, even healthy people and serious complications related to the flu can happen to anyone at any age, but some people are at higher risk. This includes individuals 65 years and older, people with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and children younger than 5 years old.
As your local health department, we recommend vaccination against the flu for both adults and children. If you still need to get your seasonal flu shot - we’ve got you covered! Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street offers both the adult and child flu shot. Call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234 to make your appointment.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are talking about preventative steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones this fall and winter against respiratory viruses such as the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.
Core prevention strategies include things like:
Practicing good hygiene by covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently, and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
Taking steps for cleaner air by increasing airflow, cleaning the air with air purifiers, or opting to gather outdoors.
Staying up-to-date with recommended immunizations lowers your risk of hospitalization and death from respiratory illnesses.
Staying home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms. This includes fever, chills, cough, runny nose, headache, and others.
If you have symptoms of a respiratory virus it’s also important to get tested and/or seek treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Additional prevention strategies include:
Masking when you are sick to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Putting physical distance between yourself and someone who is sick with a respiratory virus to reduce your chances of getting infected.
Testing for respiratory viruses when you have symptoms in order to decide what to do next such as seeking treatment options and preventing others from getting sick.
This information and more can be found on our Respiratory Virus Information Webpage found at www.meridenhealth.com. Thank you Meriden, and stay healthy!