Coronavirus (COVID-19) Newsletter—September 18, 2020

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Lake County Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Newsletter

September 18, 2020

Delaying Medical Care Due to COVID-19

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A new CDC report estimated that 41% of adults have avoided medical care due to concerns about COVID-19. This includes urgent care and routine care.

Please remember that doctors offices and hospitals are taking precautions keep you safe. Many services are also available over phone or video chat. It is important to seek care during the pandemic.

Call your doctor’s office to see what options are available. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center at (847) 377-8800.

Flu vs. COVID-19—Similarities and Differences

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Influenza and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. They share some symptoms, making it hard to tell the difference between the two. There are some key differences.

Similarities

Both COVID-19 and flu have varying degrees of symptoms. Some people may be asymptomatic while others have severe symptoms. Common symptoms include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle pain or body aches
  • Headache
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

Differences

Unlike flu, COVID-19 may include additional symptoms, such as change in or loss of taste or smell. View the complete list of flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms to know what to look for.

Keep in mind that because COVID-19 and the flu are caused by different viruses, it is possible to get sick from both, even at the same time. Getting your annual flu vaccine helps protect yourself and others with from influenza. To learn more, visit the CDC page comparing COVID-19 and flu.

The CDC recommends the flu shot for anyone 6 months of age and older with some rare exceptions. Visit the CDC’s page on how to prevent the flu to learn more. Our Community Health Centers have flu shots available now! Call (847) 377-8800 to set up an appointment. Many healthcare providers and retail locations also give flu shots. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you.

September is National Recovery Month

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September is National Recovery Month. This is a time to celebrate the strides made by those in recovery over the past year. It is also a chance to consider ways that as a community we can support those who are in recovery.

Stigma associated with substance use disorders and mental illness can be deadly. We can all work to reduce stigma by considering the language we use.

Instead of saying things like:

  • Addict or alcoholic
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Relapse
  • Committed suicide
  • Clean or sober

Try using person-centered, positive language such as:

  • Person with a substance use disorder
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Recurrence of use
  • Death by suicide
  • Person in recovery
  • Person with a mental health disorder

You can visit the official National Recovery Month page to learn more.

Health Department Spotlight: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, health departments across the United States have been putting out creative messages encouraging people to take precautions to stay safe. Every week, we will highlight a different health department whose message inspires us.

This week we are highlighting the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHSS). Their campaign, “Whatever Your Reason, Get Behind the Mask,” urges residents to wear masks and encourage each other to do the same. With social media graphics, video PSAs, and more, the NCDHSS is amplifying the message that reasons may vary but wearing a mask benefits all.

Lake County Update

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How Not to Wear a Mask

We know that wearing a mask slows the spread of COVID-19. We also know that masks need to be worn correctly in order to be effective. Make sure that your mask covers your mouth AND nose. It should fit snugly against the sides of your face. Do not touch your mask while wearing it. Be sure to wash your hands before putting it on and after taking it off.

Learn more about the dos and don’ts of masking here.

Region 9 Update and Lake County COVID-19 Cases

The Region 9 testing positivity rate is 5.7% as of September 15, 2020, with daily increases reported in 4 of the past 7 days. Hospital admissions have declined and we have seen 0 admission increases over the past 7 days. Thank you for everything you are doing to keep us on track! Commit to the 3 Ws – Wear a mask, Wash your hands, Watch your distance. Avoid crowds and aim for lower-risk ways of doing things. Working together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

Region 9 Hospital Admissions - Updated September 15, 2020

As of September 18, 2020, 16,170 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19, including 460 deaths.

Our Coronavirus Data Hub  provides data and resources for our county, including cases and deaths, tests performed, demographic data, and an interactive map and charts. 

View the Lake County, IL Coronavirus Data Hub 

Social Gatherings, Take Precautions

Recently, we shared that increased case numbers in Lake County were linked to private gatherings. While private gatherings are allowed in Phase 4, it is important to take precautions and remember the 3 Ws:

  • Wear a Mask
  • Wash your Hands
  • Watch your Distance

If you attend a social gathering with family or friends, do not let your guard down. Keep in mind that the risk of COVID-19 spreading at events and gatherings increases with the number of people. Outdoor gatherings have less risk than indoor gatherings with no social distancing. Learn more on the risks of social gatherings here. Remember, stay home if you are sick.

Lake County Virtual Town Hall

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Lake County is holding its third live Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, September 30 at 7 p.m. Hosted by Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart, panelists will discuss:

  • How COVID-19 is impacting Lake County
  • Relief efforts, including funding to Lake County businesses and residents who have been financially impactedI
  • Information about voting in the November General Election.

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020

Time: 7 p.m.

Register to attend through this link

Chair Hart will be joined by the following panelists who will provide updates and answer questions from the community.

  • Paul Frank, Chair, Lake County Financial and Administrative Special Committee on COVID-19 Recovery
  • Mark Pfister, Executive Director, Lake County Health Department
  • Robin O'Connor, Lake County Clerk
  • Other Lake County staff and partners

This virtual meeting will be hosted through Zoom. Attendees can view and listen to the meeting through their computer, tablet, or phone. Information on how to access the meeting is sent to the email address provided upon registration.

If you would like to take part in this event, make sure to register. Lake County will publish a recording of the virtual town hall for those who are unable to attend on Sept. 30.

Follow the 3 Ws

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Who to Contact if You Have Questions

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Do you have questions? The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has established a COVID-19 hotline and email address to answer questions from the public:

For additional information from the IDPH, visit: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/coronavirus

COVID-19 Resources

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NEW! Conference Calls are Back

Starting Wednesday, September 23, we will resume our conference calls for Lake County businesses, faith leaders, and municipal leaders. Going forward, these calls will occur every third Wednesday of the month. 

NEW! Are you a business owner or employer, or faith leader in Lake County? Subscribe to our new email lists for Lake County Businesses and Lake County Faith Leaders. We will use these lists to send updates about upcoming conference calls and other important news. You can also provide your phone number to receive text notifications from Lake County. Invite your colleagues or anyone else who may be interested to sign up as well.

 

Community Guidance and Resources

Protect yourself and your community. Our Information for Specific Groups page is now Community Guidance and Resources. This page is more user-friendly and has information to help residents stay safe and informed. 

 

Communication Resources

We need your help to keep our communities healthy and safe. The Lake County Health Department, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer free resources including fact sheets, flyers, posters, and videos.

View communication resources

Useful Links

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Forwarded this email? Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates directly from the Lake County Health Department.