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Welcome to the
Roanoke City & Alleghany
Health Districts
Newsletter
09.28.22
Health updates for residents of the
Roanoke City & Alleghany Health Districts (RCAHD)
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Now is the time for Flu Shots
September and October are the best months to get your flu shot

Influenza (the “flu”) is a common, often miserable, and sometimes very serious illness. The symptoms of classic influenza include the abrupt onset of fever, sore throat, headache, cough, muscle aches, and fatigue. Every year, influenza kills between 12,000 and 50,000 people in the United States.

Influenza viruses are constantly changing, but what doesn’t change is that flu shots are the best tool we have to combat influenza.
How is influenza spread?
What are the best ways to prevent the flu?
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone older than the age of 6 months. This is especially important for women who will be pregnant during the flu season, persons with chronic diseases or immunosuppressive disorders, and residents of assisted living or long-term care facilities.

If you are scheduling a time to get your flu vaccine, please consider getting your COVID-19 booster, too. It is safe for both adults and eligible children to receive both doses at the same time.

  • Flu shots and the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine are both now available at many pharmacies (find a location near you), doctors' offices and health department clinics.
CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator

This tool helps people know what to do if they have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. It can help:

  • People with COVID-19 who have mild symptoms or no symptoms know how long they need to stay home and away from other people (isolate).
  • People who were exposed to someone with COVID-19 know to take steps, like getting tested, and for how long they should wear a high-quality mask.
With two recent cases of rabies in wild animals reported in RCAHD, now is a good time to remember to protect your pets. Virginia law requires pet owners to maintain current rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats that are older than four months. In addition, citizens should not approach or touch wild animals, and should report any abnormal behavior involving wild animals. All animal bites and rabies exposures from wild and domestic animals must be reported to the RCAHD Environmental Health Division (540) 204-9928.

  • AVOID contact with wild animals and domestic animals you do not know.
  • REPORT an animal that is acting strangely.
  • VACCINATE all your dogs, cats and ferrets, and keep their vaccinations current.
  • CALL your doctor and the local health department if you are exposed, and your veterinarian and local animal control if your pet is exposed.
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RCAHD COVID-19 Situation Update
09/27/22
All COVID-19 activity indicators are showing improvement. RCAHD is seeing the lowest number of people in the hospital since May 2022.

The newly reformulated boosters for people above the age of 12 are available at pharmacies, and at local health department clinics. They are strongly encouraged for those over age 50 and for those who are immune-compromised.
Have You Checked Your Basic Disaster Supplies Kit?

Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
  • If you already have a kit, replace expired items as needed.
  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change. (Don't forget to plan for your pets!)
  • Visit ready.gov/kit for ideas of supplies to consider.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
From Our Partners at Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare:

Talking to your kids about mental health can be downright awkward. They may be reluctant or have trouble finding words to speak about what they’re feeling inside. But these are some of the most important conversations you can have with your child.

More than one in five children under 15 has had a mental health disorder that causes impairment in their ability to function. But there are ways parents can spot early warning signs and help address their child’s needs...