A healthy, 27-year-old father of 3 died of the flu. These were his first symptoms

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Quenten Thomas, 27, a father of three young kids in Maryville, Tennessee, died last week due to complications of the flu.

He was coughing and having trouble breathing, his father, Robert Thomas, told NBC News.

“It hurt really bad when he coughed, and he was having trouble catching (his) breath,” Robert Thomas recalled. He’d been using a finger monitor to keep track of his blood oxygen levels. “He noticed his oxygen was dropping, so he went to the hospital asking for oxygen first,” Robert Thomas said.

Read more at Today.

Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Know About The Importance Of HPV Vaccination To Prevent Malignancy

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January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating and spreading awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the significance of early detection. Cervical cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, but advancements in medical science have provided powerful tools for prevention, particularly through the development of HPV vaccines. The theme for Cervical Health Awareness Month in 2024 is “Learn. Prevent. Screen”, which mainly emphasises the need of educating individuals about reducing cervical cancer risks and the life-saving benefits of frequent checkups.

Read more at Netmeds.

The New Vaccines to Get in 2024

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending new vaccines for adults and kids in 2024, according to its latest annual guidelines finalized Jan. 11. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a collection of medical and public-health experts who regularly review evidence and research about vaccines, compiled the new guidelines.

Like it does every year, ACIP recommends that American adults receive an annual flu shot and several standard vaccinations, such as those for chickenpox (if they haven’t had it already) and tetanus. For infants and children, the pediatric immunization plan that includes shots such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains mostly the same.

Read more at Time.

Does it feel like everyone is getting sick? Flu, COVID and RSV are all circulating through Colorado

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Fresh off the holidays, and now in the heart of winter, respiratory viruses are making their seasonal rounds through Colorado. And much like a lingering guest, the crud is sticking around longer than anyone wants.

“We’re seeing a lot of flu,” said Dr. Michelle Barron, Senior Director of Infection Prevention at UCHealth. “So certainly, if you’re down for the count, and you’re feeling it, it might be the flu.”

She said COVID, RSV, and the common cold are also circulating.

Read more at 9 News.

Let’s Talk About Measles

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Colorado, it’s time we had a serious talk. One in five of our state’s children is missing routine immunizations according to the latest data from Children’s Hospital Colorado. This is a problem! Our children deserve better. Vaccines are touted as the greatest achievement in the history of public health, but they only work if we choose to use them (and if enough of us use them to limit the spread of dangerous diseases). Let’s turn our attention today to measles specifically.

Measles, while eliminated in the United States in 2000, is still out there.

Measles, eliminated from the United States in 2000, is among the most dangerous of vaccine-preventable diseases, and it’s making a comeback. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate needs to be at 95% or above to adequately protect our communities. Data from the 2022 – 2023 school year shows the statewide kindergarten MMR vaccination rate to be well below that threshold at 86.8%. Globally, measles remains a threat. In fact, just last month a confirmed case of measles was identified in a teen who flew to Denver International Airport from overseas. While symptom monitoring of known contacts to this individual currently indicates it was contained and not further spread in the community, we can’t continue to rely on luck or chance. We’re only one plane ride away from a full on outbreak. 

The recent Colorado case of measles does not stand out as an anomaly. There is a current measles outbreak in Philadelphia, which may have spread to Delaware. Last year, Ohio saw an outbreak that led to 85 confirmed cases and spread to Kentucky. And in 2019, there were nearly 1,300 cases confirmed in 31 states, including Colorado. At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before an outbreak makes its way back to our state. Let’s not go backwards!

Measles is so scary because it’s extremely contagious. 

Measles is spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live in the air for up to two hours. You don’t even have to be in the same room as an infected person to get measles. Simply touching an infected surface or breathing contaminated air is all it takes. It is so contagious that an infected person can spread it to up to 90% of unvaccinated individuals they contact. An infected person is contagious four days before and four days after they develop a rash that appears at the hairline and spreads down over the body. This typically happens 2-4 days after first developing a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

Measles is especially dangerous in young children – even those that are healthy.

Certain groups are at increased risk from severe complications from measles, especially young children under the age of five. Even otherwise healthy children can experience complications from infection. Severe complications include hospitalization, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and even death.

Other groups at higher risk from measles complications include adults over 20 years of age, pregnant people, and people with compromised immune systems.

Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been exposed to measles or are experiencing symptoms.

Measles infection should be taken seriously, and you should contact your healthcare provider by phone rather than showing up at a healthcare facility in person if you suspect exposure or are experiencing symptoms. You should not go out into public settings unless you need medical treatment. If you need treatment, call ahead to alert the healthcare facility so they can help minimize the risk of exposure to others. 

Widespread use of the MMR vaccine is the best tool we have to prevent the spread of measles. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get two doses of MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first dose should be given between 12 and 15 months of age. The second dose should be given between 4 and 6 years of age. All other age groups, excluding those born prior to 1957 or those who have evidence of immunity, should also be vaccinated against measles. Colorado law requires students to have their second dose of MMR vaccine prior to entering kindergarten. 

The MMR vaccine is both very safe and effective. Once you get the MMR vaccine, you are protected for the rest of your life against measles. The bottom line is that measles is a preventable disease. Children deserve to attend schools and child care centers where they are not at risk from inadequately vaccinated children. All Colorado kids deserve to be protected!

Does your child need to get caught up with MMR or other routine vaccines? Schedule an appointment with their medical provider or contact your local public health agency to get them caught up and get your questions answered. It’s up to all of us to ensure a healthy Colorado!

Immunize Colorado was formed in 1991 in response to alarmingly low vaccination rates across the state. At the time, only about 50% of Colorado’s children were adequately vaccinated. A group of physicians and other concerned individuals came together to strategize how to protect Coloradans from vaccine-preventable diseases and increase vaccine uptake. Much work remains. You can donate or discover other ways to get involved in supporting our commitment to healthy Colorado communities today!

Why are 1,500 Americans still dying from COVID every week?

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More than three years into the pandemic, hundreds of Americans are still dying from COVID-19 every week.

For the week ending Dec. 9, the last week of complete data, there were 1,614 deaths from COVID, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The last four weeks of complete data show an average of 1,488 weekly deaths.

By comparison, there were 163 weekly deaths from the flu for the week ending Dec. 9, according to CDC data.

Read more at ABC.

Measles Outbreak In Philadelphia Suggests Growing Problem Of Vaccine Hesitancy

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A measles outbreak in Philadelphia has expanded to eight confirmed and three suspected cases with three patients hospitalized, city health officials said Monday. Vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and polio remain a public health threat. And with childhood vaccine hesitancy on the rise, the problem could get worse.

Officials at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are now warning the public about several known exposure sites across the city, including healthcare facilities and a daycare center.

Read more at Forbes.

The Measles Vaccine: A Major Milestone in Public Health

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The field of public health has seen numerous significant achievements throughout history, but one that particularly stands out is the development of the measles vaccine. This vaccine has not only played a crucial role in reducing the spread of measles but also in preventing serious complications associated with the disease. Its impact is most notable among vulnerable populations, especially children, whom it has helped protect from the harmful effects of measles. The widespread use of the measles vaccine has undoubtedly contributed to the decline in measles-related deaths and has been a key component in global efforts to eradicate the disease. The development and successful implementation of the measles vaccine have been recognized as a major public health milestone.

Read more at Medriva.

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise after the holidays

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In most U.S. states, respiratory illness levels are currently considered “high” or “very high,” according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A few respiratory viruses have been driving the upward trend. “The influenza virus is the thing that’s really skyrocketing right now,” says Dr. Steven Stack, public health commissioner for the state of Kentucky and president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. “Influenza is sharply escalating and driving more hospitalizations.”

Read more at NPR.

Ask the Pediatrician: What vaccines does my child need by age 6?

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Have you ever wondered why babies get vaccines starting from the day they’re born? One big reason: The youngest are most at risk of diseases. It’s also the time in your child’s development that their immune system learns the most from vaccines.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a good time to check whether your child is up to date on vaccines, which help to provide immunity before kids are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Of all age groups, babies are more often hospitalized, and sometimes die, from diseases we can prevent with vaccines. That’s why most of the childhood vaccines are recommended during your baby’s first 12 to 18 months of life.

Read more at Chicago Tribune.

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