As you may be aware, flu season is here and we are experiencing widespread flu activity across the Lake Cumberland area, including Cumberland County. Cumberland County residents are also seeing an increase in Pertussis (“Whooping Cough”) cases at this time. The Lake Cumberland District Health Department and the Cumberland County and Burkesville City Governments want you to know how to protect yourself from illness.
Both Pertussis and Influenza are vaccine preventable diseases. It is strongly encouraged for all residents to make sure they are current and up-to-date on their vaccines. If you are not sure or need to schedule an appointment to receive a vaccine, please contact your local healthcare provider or the Cumberland County Health Department.
Other things to remember to help limit the spread of illness in our communities
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you have been around a sick person, please limit your contact with other people to avoid exposing those individuals to potential germs.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands OFTEN with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
To hear what whooping cough sounds like: Whooping Cough.