By Holly Gaskill
With cold and flu season ahead, the Wells County Health Department is preparing for yet another time of unique challenges.
Specifically, Administrative Assistant Marlene Hoag said the department is fielding more questions about monkeypox, COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
Though monkeypox has come into national discussion due to a recent uptick in cases, Wells County has had no documented cases. At the time of publication, the Indiana Department of Health reports 147 total cases in the state.
Hoag said much of the monkeypox anxiety she observes from the public seems to believe that the virus transmits similarly to COVID-19. Whereas COVID can spread quickly in public areas through respiratory droplets, the Centers for Disease Control has said monkeypox transmits through skin-to-skin contact.
Additionally, Hoag has received several calls from individuals asking for their smallpox vaccine records. While the CDC has reported this may lessen the risk of contracting monkeypox, the smallpox vaccine has not been routinely administered since 1972.
There is a small number of monkeypox vaccines available through the IDOH for those who have been exposed. Those who believe they have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of monkeypox should contact their healthcare provider for more information.
Until recently, the health department has primarily focused on COVID-19 and testing. Now with the broad distribution of at-home tests and lower reported cases, they’ve pivoted their efforts to getting back to routine — notably, childhood immunizations.
Lynn Blevins, Wells County public health nurse, said childhood immunization rates have decreased by approximately 10 percent statewide.
Hoag said this was likely due to various reasons, like canceled appointments during shutdowns or pandemic disruptions in vaccination schedules. Consequently, as they hope to return to normalcy, Hoag says the department hopes to get back on track with immunizations.
“I looked back, and in the last month, I’ve given almost 60 doses of (the) meningitis vaccine, required at sixth grade and senior (year), and I’ve never done that many,” Blevins said.
Generally, Blevins encouraged everyone to maintain good general hygiene habits and stay home when feeling ill this flu season. Although the prevalence and treatment of COVID-19 have changed, variants still pose a risk of spikes in cases during autumn and winter.
The health department offers Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and at-home tests for COVID-19. If someone is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, Hoag said they can call ahead and arrange for tests to be brought to their vehicle.
“It’s really an assessment of you,” Hoag said. “‘Is this a different headache than I normally have? Is my congestion different do I normally not have nasal congestion? Is it just the throat congestion? Is it the popping of the ears, you know, is a sinus infection.’ Be aware of your own health, for sure.”
Additionally, Blevins encouraged individuals to practice good media habits with public health news. Regardless of the issue, he said it’s important to review the source’s reliability and the information’s context. Any questions and concerns can be directed toward the health department office.
holly@news-banner.com
