A Moment with Marley

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we welcome you to our second week of flu fact Friday, where, for the month of October, we will be providing weekly information about seasonal influenza.
This week we are talking about why it is important to get a flu shot every year.
Each year public health monitors strains of influenza to see which ones are going to dominate during flu season. Since flu starts in the southern hemisphere, those in the northern hemisphere look there to see which of the strains are causing the most illness or severe symptoms. We then try to make sure that formulas for that flu season has the right mix.
Because of this, the flu vaccine does not give lifetime protection but about a season’s worth. 
This is why it is important to get your flu shot every year, as the strains of flu change and the vaccine is based on the most commonly seen strains.
Your body's immunity from the vaccine also decreases over time, so annual vaccination is the best way to stay protected.
Do 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, the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services is here to remind you that properly washing your hands can help prevent the spread of germs and keep you healthy.
Every day we touch HUNDREDS of surfaces including door handles, phones, keyboards, countertops, and more. By touching these common surfaces and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth you are potentially exposing yourself to germs.
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before and after eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage
Follow these simple steps for effective handwashing:
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Sing the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel, or us an air dryer if towels are not available.
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
By washing your hands frequently you are not just protecting yourself – you are also protecting everyone around you by preventing the transmission of germs. Thank you Meriden – stay healthy!

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are kicking off our Flu Fact Friday series, where, for the month of October, we will be providing weekly information about seasonal influenza.
This week we will talk about a common myth about the seasonal flu shot.
MYTH: The seasonal flu shot can give you the flu.  
FACT: No, the flu vaccine can't give you the flu. And, the flu vaccine does not make you more likely to get another respiratory infection based on available evidence.
But, you might develop flu-like symptoms — despite getting a flu vaccine — for many reasons, including:
Reaction to the vaccine.Some people have muscle aches and a fever for a day or two after receiving a flu vaccine. This may be a side effect of your body's production of protective antibodies.
The two-week window.It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. If you are exposed to the influenza virus shortly before or during that time period, you might catch the flu.
Other illnesses.Many other illnesses, such as COVID-19, also have flu-like symptoms. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don't.
For almost everyone, a flu vaccine can lower the risk of the flu and its complications. Do 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 our upcoming Teddy Bear Clinics! 
At these clinics Meriden children ages 3 and up will learn how to keep their favorite stuffed animal (and themselves) healthy. Children around this age learn and express themselves through play, so letting them take the lead on giving their stuffed animal a checkup may help ease some anxiety when it comes time for them to go to the doctor’s themselves.
At the clinic, each child will receive a medical play kit and Marley the Meriden Lion stuffed animal. Parent and caregivers will receive information and resources on childhood vaccines and city services at these events.
Two clinics will be held - October 30 and November 14. Both will be from 10:00 to 11:30am at the Meriden Public Library’s Children Section. The library is located at 105 Miller Street. Clinic stations will be led by Southern Connecticut State University’s School of Nursing students.
Space is limited to 25 children per clinic. To register, please call our Public Health Educator at (203) 630-4288. Must be a Meriden resident to register.
Also, don’t forget BYOB – bring your own bear (or favorite stuffed animal!).

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are reviewing the symptoms of influenza, commonly called the flu, and some prevention steps to avoid getting sick. 
Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms:
Fever or chills
Cough and sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Fatigue
Headache
Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea, this is common in children
If you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. For flu, it is recommended that people stay home, for at least 24 hours, until both are true: your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication)
Take other preventive actions in addition to vaccination that may help reduce the spread of viruses like flu.
Wash your hands often
Cover your coughs and sneezes
Avoid contact with people who are sick
Clean and disinfect surfaces
For more information, visit our respiratory virus webpage at www.meridenhealth.com. 

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are announcing our upcoming late night flu shot clinics in October, November and December! 
Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street will stay open late until 6pm on: October 7 and 21, November 4 and 18, and December 9 and 30 for seasonal flu shots.
Flu shots are free for Meriden residents ages 18 and younger, regardless of health insurance status. 
Make it a family affair - we offer adult flu shots too. The cost of the flu shot is $20; we also have FluBlok available for $40. We accept Connecticare, Cigna, Aetna, and other select health insurance plans. Call us at (203) 630-4234 to book your appointment today
 

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are reminding families that the Connecticut Department of Public Health requires kids, ages 6 months and older who attend Pre-K or daycare, to get an annual flu shot by December 31.
Our Public Health Clinic at 165 Miller Street is offering free flu shots for Meriden residents, ages 18 and younger, regardless of health insurance status. We also have flu shots for adults. Call (203) 630-4234 to schedule your appointment.
Let’s roar into action for a healthier future!

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are reminding residents that it's time to schedule your appointment for your annual flu shot. 
At our Public Health Clinic flu shots are FREE for Meriden residents, 18 and younger, regardless of health insurance status. We also have flu shots for adults. We are open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm. Call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234 to schedule an appointment!

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we wish all students, teachers, and faculty a great first day on Wednesday and a healthy school year! 
For more information about our school health services visit our website at www.meridenhealth.com.

In this episode of A Moment with Marley, we are reminding families that we are only 2 weeks away from the First Day of School in Meriden! If your child is in need of vaccines for school please call our Public Health Clinic at (203) 630-4234. Let’s roar into action for a healthy start to the school year!