The Howard County Public Health Department still has a limited amount of preservative “free”  flu vaccine still available for any adults 19 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured. This vaccine will be available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4:30 p.m. while supplies last. On Christmas eve the Howard County Health Department will be open until noon.  

The recommendation for this flu season is for anyone 6 months of age and older to receive the flu vaccine.

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Howard County Health Department wants to remind consumers about the importance of safe food handling to prevent foodborne illness. “Bacterial pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can be present in foods, such as meat and poultry, and can cause illness due to insufficient cooking, inadequate cooling and improper food handling practices,” Sheila Wallace, R.N. and HCHD administrator, said. “Properly prepared and handled foods can assure us all a safe meal every day of the year.”

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths which happen annually in the United States are related to foodborne diseases.

Foodborne diseases can be prevented by practicing simple safety steps in the kitchen. Wash hands with soap and warm water before and after food preparation, and especially after handling raw foods. Clean all work surfaces, utensils and dishes with hot soapy water and rinse with hot water after each use. Be sure to cook foods thoroughly and to refrigerate adequately between meals. Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 are responsible for many foodborne illnesses, caused by eating contaminated foods. Contamination can occur at the farm level, during processing and handling, and as a result of poor food handling practices at home.

Symptoms of foodborne disease can include diarrhea, which may be bloody, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most infected people recover from foodborne illnesses within a week. Some, however, may develop complications that require hospitalization. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with a weakened immune system are at highest risk for potentially life-threatening complications.

Additional resources for information on food safety include the Federal Food and Drug Administration Food Information line at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854).