 Friday, November 29, 2024
Safety tips for those Thanksgiving leftovers
 Thanksgiving meals can be very large, so you will likely end up with leftovers to store and enjoy for a couple of days. To ensure that every serving remains safe, follow these three guidelines:
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Remember the two-hour rule: All perishable items should be refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator. After two hours, perishable food enters the Danger Zone (between 40°F to 140°F (4°C to 60°C)) where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe. If foods have been left out for more than two hours, throw them away.
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Use small and shallow containers: Store leftover food in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator until the Monday after Thanksgiving Day or in the freezer for later use. Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than storing them in large containers.
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Freeze or eat within four days: Use the Monday after Thanksgiving as a reminder that it is the last day you can safely eat leftovers. If you want to keep leftovers longer, freeze them within that four-day period to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within two to six months. Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Microwave food safely: When reheating in the microwave, cover and rotate the food for even heating. Arrange food items evenly in a covered microwave safe glass or ceramic dish and add some liquid if needed. Because microwaves have cold spots, check the internal temperature of the food in several places with a food thermometer after allowing a resting time. Cooking continues for a longer time in dense foods such as a whole turkey or beef roast than in less dense foods like breads, small vegetables and fruits.
Take steps to protect yourself from the flu
 Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from the flu.
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.
How can I protect myself from the flu?
- People who have the flu can spread it to others. Flu is spread by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. The droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or inhaled into the lungs. There are every day actions you can take to protect yourself from flu: avoid close contact with people who are sick, wash your hands often with warm water and soap, use hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol if you aren't able to wash your hands, and get your flu vaccine. Wearing an N95 mask also offers protection. Viruses in the air can spread between people more easily indoors than outdoors. Improving air quality, such as opening windows or using air purifiers, can help reduce the amount of virus you are exposed to.
Is it too late to get vaccinated for the flu?
- It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. The vaccine will trigger your immune system to produce antibodies to protect against flu. It can take about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop.
Can adults get COVID and flu vaccine at the same time?
- Yes. Also, if you are eligible for the RSV vaccine, it can be given at the same time as flu and COVID vaccines.
To learn more information about flu and for a listing of flu vaccine providers, please visit our website or vaccines.gov. Vaccines are given by appointment at our Newburg and Dixie clinics. If you have questions or need assistance, call 502-574-5380. Language assistance is available.
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Make a difference in public health
Are you interested in improving the health and wellness of all residents of our city? If the answer is yes, we invite you to be a part of a dedicated team. Visit our Metro jobs center page to learn more about various careers opportunities in public health.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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