Preparedness
It is the purpose of Public Health Preparedness of the Richmond County Department to reduce the vulnerability of people and property to health related emergencies (including those secondary to other emergencies) and to establish capabilities to respond effectively to the actual occurrence of a health related disaster.
Do you know what to do
during an emergency and are you prepared?
Now is the time to put your emergency kit together. Emergency kits are items placed into a
container that will be needed after an emergency. Most of these items can be found within your
home. It is recommended to put enough
food, water, and supplies in the kit for three to seven days for each person and
pet.
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Some people — such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions — are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year
Symptoms include:
A fever of 100.4F/38C degrees or higher or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
A cough and/or sore throat
A runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea (most common in children
To avoid catching the flu, get vaccinated each year and practice good hand hygiene. To avoid giving the flu to others, stay home when you are sick, cough or sneeze into tissues and discard them properly, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an approved hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
During October through May, the NC Division of Public Health provides weekly updates on the spread of Influenza in North Carolina.
2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV in North Carolina at this time. Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:
- The air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, including touching and shaking hands
- Touching your nose, mouth or eyes before washing your hands.
Persons who are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, cough or shortness of breath and have visited Wuhan or had close contact with someone who is suspected to be infected with the novel coronavirus in the past 14 days should seek immediate medical attention.
- Before you go to the doctor’s office, emergency room or urgent care, call ahead and tell them your symptoms and recent travel history.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Do not travel while sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
The North Carolina Division of Public Health has established a call line at 1-866-462-3821 to address general questions about coronavirus from the public.