COVID-19
Like other viruses, COVID-19 continues to change over time, causing new variants to develop. The most recent variants are notable because of genetic differences from previous versions. It is important to continue to protect yourself and others by:
The FDA recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine, available as early as mid-September, that will be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalization. When the vaccine becomes available, find a vaccination location near you by visiting Vaccines.gov.
Flu Shot Information
Stay ahead of flu season by getting your seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible. It is recommended that everyone ages six months and older get the flu shot sometime in September or October. Still, flu vaccinations will continue for the duration of the flu season. Getting the flu shot can keep you from getting the flu, help to reduce the severity, and prevent hospitalizations.
You can find flu shot locations near you on Vaccines.gov.
RSV
The CDC recently approved and recommended a new immunization for infants under eight months and some older babies at increased risk of severe illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These recommendations are based on last month's FDA authorization of nirsevimab, which has been shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by about 80 percent. The immunization is expected to be available in the fall. Please reach out to your child's healthcare provider with any questions.
For more information about nirsevimab, visit the CDC's RSV in Infants and Young Children page.
It is also encouraged for all eligible adults to get a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and updated COVID-19 vaccine in the fall. The CDC recently authorized a single-dose RSV vaccine for adults ages 60 and older.
 Tick prevention is important to prevent potential diseases affecting your pet.
Some forms of tick preventatives take time to work, so it is important to know how long after the prevention is applied before your pet can get wet. The effectiveness of the prevention may not be as strong or take effect if the pet gets wet soon after application.
You will often find that tick and flea prevention is the same medication. Preventative options can include:
- Oral medications
- Topical treatments
- Collars
- Shampoos
- Sprays and wipes
- Yard treatments
It is important to speak with your veterinarian about the right type of tick preventative for your pet and about any questions associated with the process.
 Mosquitoes can quickly put a damper on time outside, especially at dusk. Not only are mosquitos annoying, but they can also carry dangerous diseases that can be harmful and, in some cases, deadly. One of those diseases is called West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease.
Make sure that you and your family are protected while outdoors this summer and fall by practicing the “4 Ds of Defense” from mosquitoes:
-
Drain: Drain standing water from items around your home, yard, and business.
-
Defend: When outdoors, use an insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 and reapply according to label directions.
-
Dawn and Dusk: Protect yourself all day and night, and wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.
-
Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin.
Visit FightTheBiteNow.com to learn more about staying safe from mosquitoes this summer. Lake County residents can also call the West Nile Virus Hotline at (847) 377-8300 to learn more about the signs and symptoms of West Nile Virus or report areas of stagnant water or locations of dead birds.
Overdoses can happen anywhere—even at college. Make naloxone part of your back-to-school essentials. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose when used in time. Naloxone is safe and easy to use. If you or someone you care for uses opioids, it is especially important to carry naloxone and know how to use it.
Naloxone is available to Lake County residents and community members. Visit the Health Department's Naloxone Saves Lives page to learn more about naloxone, and place an order today!
|
 Medicaid coverage will now need to be renewed every year to continue receiving coverage. Medicaid customers have not had to renew their Medicaid coverage since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Medicaid pays for healthcare, like doctor visits, prescription medicine, and urgent emergency services.
Illinois is starting renewals again to see if people are still eligible. Everybody's renewal date is different, so it is critical that you get ready to renew.
Don't risk losing your Medicaid! Here is what you need to do:
- Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov
- Verify your mailing address under "contact us."
- Find your due date (also called redetermination date) in your "benefit details."
- Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away.
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the official Affordable Care Act marketplace for Illinois, GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services Medicaid Redetermination page, click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov, or call 1-800-843-6154.
 Over the past month, many Health Department staff have been spending time in the community attending events and connecting people with resources.
Tuberculosis (TB) Program
Staff from our TB program have been sharing information about our TB services while also partnering with Refugee One in Buffalo Grove to offer services to community members.
The Lake County Health Department Tuberculosis Clinic is currently offering free testing for newly arrived Ukrainians. To schedule an appointment, call 847-377-8700 and visit our Resources for Refugees page for more information.
Need2Know Program
The Need2Know program recently attend two events in August—the Mano a Mano Back to School event on August 19 and the Ravinia Festival on August 25.
At each event, staff spread awareness about many crucial topics such as harm reduction, safe sex, and HIV and Hepatitis C screenings, while also discussing services offered by the Health Department. At the Ravinia Festival, Need2Know also passed out naloxone to interested attendees. Many people that visited the booth showed a willingness to understand how these resources could assist others in need even if they don’t use or know someone who uses substances.
Keep an eye out for more appearances from the Health Department at future events in the community!
 |
National Preparedness Month
Disasters and emergencies can happen at any time. National Preparedness Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. This year's theme is "Take Control in 1, 2, 3," focusing on preparing older adults for disasters. Older adults may have specific needs, making it important to be prepared if a disaster affects your area.
Older adults can plan ahead by:
- Knowing how you will communicate if you have a communication need.
- Planning for food, water, and essentials for you and your pet.
- Planning for transportation if you need help evacuating.
- Including medicines and medical supplies in your emergency supply kit.
- Planning how you will have your assistive devices with you during an evacuation.
- Making copies of Medicaid, Medicare, and other insurance cards.
For more information about preparedness for older adults, visit ready.gov/older-adults.
|
|
National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month aims to promote treatment and recovery practices, bring awareness to the recovery community, and highlight the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible. Three out of 10 people in the United States have issues with mental health or substance use. No two paths to recovery are the same, but with the right support, recovery is possible.
For resources and support in our area, call 211 or visit 211lakecounty.org.
|
World Suicide Prevention Month
 September is World Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, promote resources, and know the signs of suicide. Suicidal thoughts should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. Having suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Visit the National Alliance on Mental Health for more information and resources.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or visit our Crisis Care Program page for more resources.
World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28. Rabies is well controlled in the United States due to efforts made by local, state, and federal organizations. These efforts include distributing rabies vaccine baits to wild animals by wildlife biologists and veterinary professionals vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies. Avoid contact with dogs and other animals when traveling outside the country because rabies is common in other countries. If you plan to travel out of the country, be sure to visit the CDC's Traveler's Health page to check your destination's travel health notices.
Although rabies is well controlled in the United States, individuals still need to be cautious when spending time outdoors and to make sure to maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Any mammal can get rabies, but the most commonly affected animals in the United States are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Do not entice an animal to get close to you by offering it food. Leave all wildlife alone, including injured animals. Animals can be unpredictable and best observed at a distance for your safety and theirs. If you find an injured animal, don't touch it; contact local authorities for assistance.
If you have an animal encounter that results in a bite, scratch, or are unsure, take the following steps:
- Don't engage with the animal.
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Talk to a healthcare provider about whether you need treatment for rabies.
The Health Department offers rabies and distemper vaccines to all dogs and cats residing in Lake County. Visit our Pet Clinics & Costs page for more information, and call (847) 377-4700 to schedule an appointment.
Visit the CDC to learn more about rabies.
Where do I find information about...
Who can I contact to ask a question about...
-
Lake County Health Department Services: Call (847) 377-8000
|
