Category: VDH

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Central and Southwest Regions

Posted on by marianhunter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –  December 17, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Health Officials Investigating a Potential Measles Exposure in Central and Southwest Regions
Virginia Department of Health is Working to Identify People Who Are at Risk

RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Health was notified of a confirmed measles case in a person who visited the Central and Southwest Regions of Virginia while infectious. The confirmed case is a resident of another state. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

“Vaccination remains the best protection against measles,” said Virginia State Epidemiologist Laurie Forlano, D.O., M.P.H, “This latest exposure is a good reminder to check your vaccination status, especially before holiday travel.”

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

  • The Home Depot, located at 250 Frank D. Harris Drive in South Hill, Friday, December 5 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Wagon Wheel Cafe, located at 408 Main St. in Kenbridge, Saturday, December 6 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Lynchburg Livestock Market, located at 243 Livestock Road in Rustburg, Monday, December 8 from 3:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • McDonald’s, located at 11059 Wards Road, Rustburg, Monday, December 8 from 4:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website. Additional exposure sites have been identified in North Carolina.

What to Do If You Have Been Exposed to Measles

Most people in Virginia have immunity to measles through vaccination, so the risk to the general public is low. However, anyone who was at the potential exposure sites at the times listed should:

  • Find out if you have been vaccinated for measles or have had measles previously. Make sure you are up to date with the recommended number of measles (MMR) vaccinations.
    • To check your immunization status, call your healthcare provider or request records through the VDH Record Request Portal.
    • If you have received two doses of a measles-containing vaccine, or were born before 1957, you are considered protected.
  • Anyone who might have been exposed and is considered to be at risk of developing measles should contact their healthcare provider promptly to discuss any questions or concerns.
  • Watch for symptoms of measles for 21 days after the potential exposure. Monitoring for symptoms is especially important for people who are not fully vaccinated or otherwise immune to measles.
  • If you notice symptoms of measles, immediately isolate yourself by staying home. Contact your healthcare provider right away. If you need to seek healthcare, call ahead before going to your healthcare provider’s office or the emergency room to notify them that you may have been exposed to measles and ask them to call the local health department. This call will help protect other patients and staff.
  • The most likely time you would become sick would be between December 12, 2025 – December 29, 2025.
  • Contact your local health department by calling (804) 363-2704 or email epi_response@vdh.virginia.gov to discuss any additional recommendations.

General Measles Information

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Measles symptoms usually appear in two stages. In the first stage, most people have a fever of greater than 101 degrees, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a cough. These symptoms usually start seven to 14 days after being exposed. The second stage starts three to five days after symptoms start, when a rash begins to appear on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after the rash appeared.

Measles is preventable through a safe and effective MMR vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to provide lifetime protection. Virginia has high measles vaccination rates, with approximately 95% of kindergarteners fully vaccinated against measles. However, infants who are too young to be vaccinated, and others who are not vaccinated, are at high risk of developing measles if they are exposed. Infants six months through 11 months of age who will be traveling internationally, or to an outbreak setting, should receive one dose of MMR vaccine prior to travel. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about the MMR vaccine.

For more information about measles visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/measles/.

# # #

Governor Glenn Youngkin Highlights Progress on Initiatives to Strengthen Nursing Home Oversight, Modernize Operations, and Increase Transparency

Posted on by marianhunter

For Immediate Release: December 16, 2025
Contacts: Office of the Governor: Peter Finocchio, Peter.finocchio@governor.virginia.gov

Governor Glenn Youngkin Highlights Progress on Initiatives to Strengthen Nursing Home Oversight, Modernize Operations, and Increase Transparency

Targeted Actions Include Recruitment Efforts, New Leadership Team, and Technological Initiatives

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today highlighted substantial progress made in implementing Executive Order 52, “Strengthening Oversight of Virginia’s Nursing Homes,” signed on August 11, 2025. In just four months, the administration has advanced key initiatives to strengthen nursing home oversight in the Commonwealth. Through this Executive Order, Governor Youngkin directed the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), through its Office of Licensure and Certification (OLC), to make significant advances toward increasing workforce capacity, strengthening nursing home oversight, modernizing operations, and enhancing transparency. These efforts will improve the quality of care for nearly 33,000 nursing home residents.

“Every Virginian deserves confidence that their loved ones in nursing homes are safe, respected, and receiving the care they deserve,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “We are taking decisive steps to strengthen oversight, reinforce accountability, and ensure a system worthy of the families who rely on it. I’m grateful to the dedicated teams who are moving quickly and purposefully to deliver these improvements for Virginia.”

“Families place profound trust in the people who care for their loved ones,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Janet V. Kelly. “Our focus is on honoring that trust by strengthening the conditions for consistent, respectful care, and this progress reflects a system moving in the right direction for the people who depend on it.”

Key Successes Include: 

Recruitment and Filling of Vacancies 

Over the last several months, OLC initiated a targeted recruitment campaign focused on filling Long-Term Care (LTC) Medical Facility Inspector (MFI) positions, supervisors, and other key roles within OLC. Since August, more than 2,000 applications have been received for OLC positions, with the vast majority for MFIs. To date, OLC has hired 13 LTC MFIs, decreasing the LTC MFI vacancy rate from more than 40 percent to 9 percent. Interviews are ongoing, with the goal of filling all remaining LTC MFI roles or extending offers to qualified individuals by the end of the year.

Additionally, OLC has worked to bolster leadership roles specific to LTC. This includes filling two OLC senior leadership positions, the OLC Office Director and the LTC Division Director, as well as filling two supervisor roles, with more offers pending.

These recruitment efforts translated to success in other OLC divisions outside of LTC, including six additional Acute Care MFIs, an Acute Care Supervisor, a COPN Supervisor, a Complaint Coordinator, and a Training Manager.

In addition, OLC established a dedicated Northern Virginia regional office to house a Northern Virginia inspection team, reducing travel demands and incentivizing recruitment and retention efforts in the region. OLC is on track to fill all open medical facility inspector positions by December 31, 2025, significantly reducing vacancy rates and enabling more timely inspections and complaint resolutions.

Process Modernization Efforts 

A significant step forward in how OLC interacts with stakeholders is the launch of a newly created public Complaint Portal. Through the Complaint Portal, VDH will be able to accept complaints digitally from patients and families, nursing home staff, and other stakeholders, with the goal of increasing transparency for the industry and accountability to the public.

The Complaint Portal launched on December 16, 2025, and is accessible on the VDH OLC website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/licensure-and-certification/.

The portal replaces fax and email as the primary methods of receiving complaints and incidents. Intake by mail, phone, and in person will continue to be accepted. The portal automatically generates a complaint submission reference number that is shared with the complainant, enabling Virginians to reference their complaints and reported incidents.

Enhanced Transparency Measures 

Another improvement is the addition of a prominent link on the OLC website directing visitors to a federal nursing home information portal. This resource includes inspection histories, survey results, and facility performance metrics for nursing homes throughout Virginia.

“VDH takes its responsibility to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents in the Commonwealth very seriously,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “They may be our parents, spouses, siblings, or children, and it’s our job to ensure they’re healthy, safe, and in an environment where they can thrive.”

“This is a prime example of what a team running together in the right direction for the right reason—guaranteeing that there is proper oversight by professionals dedicated to ensuring Virginia’s nursing homes are providing safe and high-quality care—can accomplish in a short amount of time,” said R. Christopher Lindsay, VDH Chief Operating Officer. “I’m so proud of our HR team, these OLC leaders, our IT team, and VDH for coming together to make this happen.”

Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability Advisory Board 

The Board, comprised of providers, geriatricians, advocates, and stakeholders, has been actively advising the Commissioner on ways to elevate standards and promote resident-centered care. The Board has held three productive meetings (September 15, October 23, and November 14, 2025), featuring discussions on value-based purchasing models, office transformations, and policy recommendations to address nursing home quality.

Virginia’s OLC oversees the licensing and monitoring of nearly 300 nursing homes statewide, encompassing nearly 33,000 beds. Facilities undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with state laws and—when certified for Medicare and Medicaid—federal requirements. OLC’s team of long-term health care professionals, including physicians, registered nurses, dietitians, and social workers, conducts inspections and investigates consumer complaints. In addition to long-term care, OLC licenses and regulates hospitals, hospice services, and home care organizations, and oversees the state’s Certificate of Public Need (COPN) program and the Cooperative Agreement with Tennessee that guarantees access to health care services in Southwest Virginia.

Learn more about the Office of Licensure and Certification at www.vdh.virginia.gov/licensure-and-certification/.

# # #

Child Holiday Safety

Posted on by R. Ellick

The holidays are a time for fun, family, and traditions. With all the excitement, it’s easy to forget about safety.  Take these simple steps to make sure kids stay safe while still enjoying every part of the season.  

Decorate Safely 

Keep potentially dangerous holiday decor out of the reach of kids and pets: 

  • Breakable decorations, ornaments, lightbulbs 
  • Tinsel  

Fire Safety  

Candles and fireplaces can make the house feel warm and cozy—but they also bring fire risks. 

  • Make sure smoke alarms are working.  
  • Keep candles out of reach. Never leave them unattended and consider using battery-powered ones instead. 
  • Turn off holiday lights whenever you’re leaving the house.  
  • Keep Christmas trees watered, secured, and away from heat sources.  
  • Make fireplace fires safely. Get your fireplace inspected by a professional. 

 Toy Safety 

Take these steps to protect children from choking and injuries while playing with toys: 

  • Give gifts that are age appropriate.  
  • Read instructions and warning labels before using. 
  • Show kids how to use their toys safely.  
  • Make sure batteries (especially button batteries) are secured with a screw. 

 Food and Drink Safety   

Whether it’s time to cook or time to eat – make sure kids are doing it safely. 

  • When cooking: 
  • Keep kids at a distance when cooking.  
  • Keep hot foods and liquids out of children’s reach. 
  • Cook on the back burners when possible. 
  • Be mindful of choking hazards like nuts, popcorn, and hard candies. 
  • Store alcohol where kids cannot access it.  
  • Take special care during parties and keep an eye on guests’ drinks too.  
  • Clean up promptly after the party so kids don’t find drinks left behind. 

Winter Driving 

Make sure you and your loved one arrive safely during the holidays.  

  • Never drive under the influence. Always have a designated driver. 
  • Always make sure your child rides in an appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt. If you’re not sure whether they are installed correctly, you can find a Safety Seat Check Station near you for free assistance. 
  • In cold weather, children should wear thin layers when harnessed using a safety seat or vehicle seat belt. Children should not wear heavy layers. 
  • Once safely restrained, jackets or blankets can be laid over the harness or seat belt to keep the child warm.  

Firework Safety 

Professional firework displays are the safest way to see fireworks – at a distance. Many local jurisdictions prohibit the use of all fireworks. Check with your locality to determine any local regulations. 

If you choose to set off your own, use the safety measures below:   

  • Use legal fireworks and sparklers. 
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks. 
  • Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.  
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.  

Indoor Pool and Spa Safety 

Make sure to swim healthy and “pool safely” with these tips if you are traveling for the holidays.  

  • Learn CPR, First Aid, and how to respond to an emergency. 
  • Watch kids closely when they are in or around water, and make sure they are not swimming alone. Avoid being on your phone, and make sure you have a person who can watch kids if you need to take a break.  
  • Before booking a place to stay, make sure their pools or spas follow health codes and have safety equipment and safety personnel available.  
  • Don’t use alcohol or drugs with pool or spa use. 
  • Check drain covers. Never use a pool or spa with loose, broken, or missing drain covers.  

For more information: 

Get Vaccinated — Not the Flu

Posted on by R. Ellick

The best time to get vaccinated against the flu every year is in September and October.  But if you have not yet received your flu vaccine – it’s not too late to get it!   

If flu is circulating, you should get vaccinated. 

Protect Yourself and Others 

Flu vaccination can: 

  • Prevent flu illness 
  • Reduce the severity of flu illness 
  • Protect people at high risk from flu-related complications 

During 2024-2025 in the United States, flu vaccination prevented an estimated: 

  • 9.4 –16 million flu illnesses 
  • 4.4 – 7.1 million flu-associated medical visits 
  • 170,000 – 360,000 flu-associated hospitalizations 
  • 12,000 – 39,000 flu-associated deaths  

Who Should Get Vaccinated 

Everyone aged 6 months and older (with few exceptions) should get an annual flu vaccine.  

The flu vaccine is particularly important for people at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes: 

  • People 65 years and older 
  • People with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease) 
  • Pregnant women  
  • Children younger than 5 years, but especially those younger than 2 years 

2024–25 Flu Season 

During the last flu season, flu infections nationwide resulted in at least: 

  • 43 million symptomatic illnesses 
  • 19 million medical visits 
  • 560,000 hospitalizations 
  • 38,000 deaths 

There were also 280 reported pediatric deaths. Except for the 2009–10 H1N1 pandemic, this was the highest number of pediatric deaths since they became nationally notifiable in 2004. Of the 280 pediatric deaths: 

  • 50% occurred in children and adolescents with underlying conditions 
  • 44% occurred among previously healthy children 

Among the deaths in children aged 6 months and older with known vaccination status, nearly 90% were not fully vaccinated against flu.  

Spread the Word – Not the Flu 

Encourage your loved ones and community to get a flu vaccine. The more people get vaccinated – the more people will be protected.  

World AIDS Day: December 1

Posted on by R. Ellick

Worlds AIDS Day has been observed on December 1 each year since 1988.  Every year, communities stand together, united with the red ribbon.  We remember those who have been lost, unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and raise awareness to prevent new cases of HIV.   

What’s happening in Virginia? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, patients were less likely to seek routine screening and testing, and as a result Virginia reported fewer new cases during that time. The total number of HIV cases annually in Virginia have returned to pre-pandemic levels.  Certain communities continue to be impacted by HIV more than others.  Youth, ages 15-19, saw a 41% increase in new HIV cases from 2023 to 2024.  Black and Hispanic/Latino persons have seen a 27% increase in new cases each year since 2022.   

There are over 28,000 people living with HIV in the Commonwealth of Virginia.  More than 75% of people with HIV in Virginia are men, and over half are 50 or older.  While Black, non-Hispanic people make up 19% of the population in the Commonwealth, 56% of people with HIV identify as Black, non-Hispanic in Virginia. 

Find more detailed HIV statistics on the data and reports page and the HIV data dashboard. 

Scientific Progress 

Major advances in science have been made since HIV/AIDS was first discovered.  HIV testing is fast, reliable, and available at any local health department or healthcare provider.  Testing is the only way to know if you have HIV.  Not everyone has symptoms during the onset of the infection.  Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can make it easier to get or transmit HIV. 

Find HIV and STD testing near you on the VDH testing page.  Learn more about HIV prevention on the HIV prevention page. 

HIV Treatment  

Advances in HIV treatment help people with HIV live long and healthy lives.   

It is proven that when a person with HIV has reached and sustains an undetectable viral load, they will not transmit HIV to their partner sexually.  An undetectable viral load means that the number of copies of the virus in the body cannot be detected by certain tests.  This is often referred to as Undetectable=Untransmittable, or “U=U.”   

Getting into medical care and starting treatment immediately is important.  The sooner a person with HIV starts HIV treatment, the better their health outcomes will be. 

Have Questions or Need Help? 

If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with HIV, help is available.  Financial assistance with the cost of medications or copays is available through local, state, or federal programs.  These programs can also help you find support groups or other social services in your area.  Learn more on our website, or call the Disease Prevention Hotline at (800) 533-4148.

Pass the Potatoes – Not the Germs

Posted on by R. Ellick

Serve up your Thanksgiving meal without the risk of food poisoning.  

Prevent the Spread of Germs 

Wash Your Hands 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before, during, and after food preparation and after using the bathroom or changing diapers. 

Prevent Cross-Contamination  

  • Keep raw turkey and its juices separate from foods that won’t be cooked while shopping in the store, when storing in the refrigerator at home, and while preparing meals. 
  • Use one cutting board for raw turkey and a separate cutting board for food that won’t be cooked such as raw fruits and vegetables.  
  • Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, cutting board, or other surface that held raw turkey. 
  • Wash all cutting boards, utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water after preparing raw turkey. 

 

Prepare Your Turkey Properly 

Take the proper amount of time to thaw your turkey. 

  • Refrigerator method (recommended): 24 hours for every four to five pounds. 
  • Cold-water bath method: 30 minutes per pound. 
  • Microwave method: follow instructions in the owner’s manual. 
  • Never thaw turkey by leaving it on the counter at room temperature. 

Do not wash your turkey.  

  • Washing can actually increase the risk you will spread germs to other foods you’re preparing.   

Cook your turkey to the correct temperature.  

  • Turkey is done cooking when a minimum internal temperature of 165°F is reached. 
  • Thickest part of the breast. 
  • Innermost part of the thigh. 
  • Innermost part of the wing.  
  • If stuffed, make sure the innermost part of the stuffing also reaches 165°F. 

 

Be Smart About Leftovers 

Use the Two-Hour Rule 

  • Refrigerate leftovers  within two hours of cooking or coming out of the refrigerator. 
  • Discard any foods that sat out for more than two hours at room temperature. 
  • After two hours, perishable food enters the Danger Zone (between 40°F to 140°F) where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe. 

 Handle Leftovers in the Properly 

  • Store leftover food in small, shallow containers in the refrigerator or freezer. 
  • Shallow containers help cool leftovers more quickly than large containers. 
  • Leftovers can be safely eaten when stored in the refrigerator for up to four days (or, in other words, until the Monday after Thanksgiving).  
  • Leftovers stored in the freezer will be of the best quality when consumed within two to six months. 
  • When reheating leftovers in the microwave oven, cover and rotate the food to make sure food is reheated evenly.  
  • Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of food is 165°F.  

 

More Resources for a Safe Thanksgiving 

National Rural Health Day

Posted on by R. Ellick

National Rural Health Day  honors the dedication and resilience of rural health professionals, organizations, and communities across the country.   

About Rural America 

In the United States, rural areas make up 86% of the country’s land – with almost 20% of the country’s population living there. In Virginia, these numbers are similar: 88% of the state is rural, with 26% of Virginians live in these communities. 

Rural areas face a disproportionate rate of health challenges compared to urban areas, including: 

  • Shortage of qualified health care providers and limited access to specialized care 
  • Higher rates of poverty and food insecurity 
  • Higher rates of cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity 

 

Virginia State Office of Rural Health 

Virginia’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) works to tackle the root causes of rural health disparities, improve access to quality healthcare and advance health equity in underserved areas. 

They do this by: 

  • Delivering technical support 
  • Providing updates on healthcare regulations 
  • Sharing essential resources 
  • Collaborating with community organizations and healthcare providers  

An example of SORH’s work is the supporting the launch of a Food as Medicine pilot. Its goal is to improve population health through food-based interventions. It also works to remove barriers to accessing healthy foods.   

These pilots connect hospital patients with fresh foods and produce at farmers markets. Patients receive: 

  • A produce prescription 
  • Grocery vouchers 
  • Culinary medicine education demonstrations. 

These pilots are currently at Lee County Community Hospital and Dickenson Community Hospital.  The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program provides funds for the program. 

Learn more about Virginia’s State Office of Rural Health.  

Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services Observes Crash Responder Safety Week and Highlights the Importance of Roadway Safety

Posted on by marianhunter

Crash Responder Safety Week is November 17-21, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. — As proclaimed by Governor Glenn Youngkin, November 17–21 is Crash Responder Safety Week in Virginia, observed in alignment with the nationwide effort to recognize the critical work of emergency responders and the dangers they face while managing roadway incidents. The Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) joins partners across the Commonwealth and the nation in raising awareness and promoting safer conditions for those who protect motorists on our roadways.

Drivers play a critical role in keeping crash responders safe. All motorists are urged to stay alert, slow down, move over into another lane when possible, avoid distractions, and follow instructions from emergency personnel. Virginia’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or, if unable to do so safely, reduce their speed when approaching vehicles with flashing lights on the roadside.

“Safer roadways are in the hands of every driver on the road,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “This week is a reminder to slow down, move over, pay attention, and follow directions when approaching roadway incidents. All of us want to get to our destinations safely.”

Crash responders include EMS providers, firefighters, law enforcement, tow operators, medical examiners, and transportation personnel who all play pivotal roles in ensuring the safe and efficient clearance of roadway incidents.

According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, between 40 and 50 crash responders have been tragically killed nationwide while working roadway incidents over the last ten years. Struck-by-vehicle fatalities represent the majority of these deaths, which occur during traffic stops, crash responses, or while providing roadside assistance.

“Through my experience serving as an EMS provider, I understand the serious risks first responders face when working on busy roadways,” said VDH Chief Operating Officer Christopher Lindsay. “During Crash Responder Safety Week, we must remember the importance of roadway safety and give our responders the space they need to do their jobs safely.”

“Behind every flashing light, there is an emergency responder who has someone waiting for their safe return home,” said Office of EMS Director Maria Beermann-Foat, PhD. “Crash Responder Safety Week reminds us that scene safety starts with every driver at every incident — slow down, move over, stay alert, and help us protect those who protect you.”

Roadway incident safety depends on the protective actions taken by responders and the responsible behavior of drivers. Crash responders undergo specialized Traffic Incident Management training to alert the public, guide traffic safely around the scene, and minimize risk to both responders and motorists.

Remember, when you see flashing lights, stay alert, move over, and slow down. Together, we can build a culture of safety on Virginia’s roadways by taking these precautions and increasing awareness.

To learn more about the VDH’s Office of EMS, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/emergency-medical-services/.

Antibiotic Awareness Week

Posted on by R. Ellick

What are antibiotics? 

Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or stopping them from reproducing. 

What conditions do antibiotics treat? 

Antibiotics only treat certain infections caused by bacteria, such as: 

  • Strep throat 
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI) 
  • Whooping cough 
  • Dental infections 
  • Some ear and sinus infections 

 

Antibiotics do not work against infections caused by viruses. Antibiotics will not work on viral illnesses such as: 

  • Colds and runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow or green 
  • Most sore throats (except strep throat) 
  • Flu 
  • Most cases of chest colds (bronchitis) 

 

What is antibiotic resistance? 

Antibiotic resistance happens when antibiotics are no longer effective against certain bacteria. This means the germs are not killed and continue to grow.  

Why is antimicrobial resistance a concern? 

  • Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.  
  • Resistant infections often require lengthy hospital stays, follow-up visits, and costly and toxic alternative treatments 
  • CDC reports that more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year and results in more than 35,000 deaths. 
  • Resistant germs can make other germs resistant 

 

What causes antibiotic resistance? 

Any time antibiotics are used they can contribute to the development of drug resistance.  Misuse of antibiotics are the main cause of resistance. Misuse of antibiotics happens when a person takes: 

  • The wrong antibiotic 
  • The wrong dose of an antibiotic 
  • An antibiotic for the wrong length of time 
  • An antibiotic when they don’t need to (like a viral infection) 

 

How can you prevent antibiotic resistance? 

  • Take steps to prevent getting sick in the first place 
  • Wash hands 
  • Stay up to date on vaccines 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes 
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick 
  • Only take antibiotics when instructed by a healthcare provider 
  • Take your antibiotics as prescribed  
  • Don’t skip doses and always finish them – even if you feel better 
  • Don’t take antibiotics when you don’t need them 
  • Trust your healthcare provider when they say you don’t need antibiotics for an illness 
  • Never take antibiotics for a viral infection 

 

Where can you learn more about antibiotics? 

Breathe Easy: Take Steps for Healthy Lungs

Posted on by R. Ellick

November is Lung cancer and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Awareness Months. Lung cancer and COPD are serious diseases that affect the lungs.  

  • Lung cancer is a type of a cancer that starts in the lungs. 
  • COPD prevents airflow to the lungs, causing breathing problems. 

Keep Your Lungs Healthy 

Lower Your Risk for Lung Cancer, COPD, and Other Lung Diseases. 

  • Don’t Smoke. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and COPD in the U.S.   
  • Quit tobacco and nicotine use. For free help, call 1-800 QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), visit QuitNowVirginia.org, or text READY to 34191. 
  • Avoid secondhand smoke from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. 
  • Limit time in places with bad air quality. 

Other steps to help prevent lung cancer: 

  • Reduce radon in your home, if needed. Get your home tested for radon and take steps to reduce the radon level if it’s high. 
  • Follow health and safety guidelines to avoid carcinogens (things that can cause cancer) at work. 

When to See a Healthcare Provider 

If you have any of these symptoms: 

  • Frequent coughing or wheezing 
  • Shortness of breath doing everyday activities 
  • Trouble taking deep breaths. 
  • Excess phlegm or mucus 
  • Chest pain coughing up blood  
  • Feeling very tired all the time 
  • Weight loss with no know cause 

Get screened for lung cancer yearly if: 

  • Have a 20 pack-year or more smoking history, and 
  • Smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years and 
  • Are between 50 and 80 years old 

Learn More