ACHD strongly encourages the use of carbon monoxide detectors. They are extremely helpful and can be purchased at most stores that carry home supplies. They can be lifesavers; however, detectors are no substitute for regular furnace maintenance.
Carbon monoxide poisoning may include any of the following symptoms: headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, loss of hearing, blurry vision, vomiting, disorientation, seizures, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Anyone who believes they are experiencing these symptoms due to carbon monoxide poisoning should leave the premises and immediately call 911.
Everyone is at risk, but individuals with health problems such as heart or lung diseases, the elderly, infants, children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.
For a free educational brochure about the dangers of carbon monoxide, visit achd. net / injury / pubs / pdf / CO _ Update. pdf.
LIFESPAN’ S EIGHTH ANNUAL‘ SWEET HOLIDAY WISHES’ COOKIE CAMPAIGN
Help provide our seniors with a holiday tradition they love! Simply donate two to three dozen homemade holiday cookies at your local LifeSpan Senior Community Center or Meals on Wheels kitchen no later than Friday, Dec. 15.
The organization seeks 365 dozen cookies in order to distribute homemade treats to brighten the holidays for area seniors.
To locate a center or kitchen for dropoff, please call 412.464.1300 or visit the website at lifespanpa. org.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT INFLUENZA VACCINE CLINIC OPEN
The Allegheny County Health Department is offering seasonal flu and high-dose flu immunizations. The vaccines are available at the walk-in immunization clinic located at 425 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15219. Residents should enter the building via Cherry Way and proceed to the fourth floor.
The immunization clinic will be open weekdays from 9 a. m. to 4 p. m., except for Wednesdays, when the clinic’ s hours will be 1 to 8 p. m. No appointment is necessary.
Influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that can cause mild to severe illness and is potentially fatal. Getting an annual flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. ACHD will again offer the high-dose vaccine. The high-dose flu vaccine is four times more concentrated than the regular flu shot, and is available only for seniors 65 years of age and older.
“ Getting a flu shot is the first step to combating the flu,” said Health Department Director Dr. Karen Hacker.“ The flu vaccination is also very important to not only your health, but the health of your loved ones.”
The price of the regular seasonal flu shot for individuals with insurance is $ 26. The high-dose flu shot price is $ 52.
The flu vaccine is often a covered benefit and you can receive the flu shot for free at many locations around the county; however, ACHD reminds residents to make sure to check with their insurance provider prior to getting the flu shot.
At a later date, a limited supply of flu vaccine will be available, at no cost, to uninsured and underinsured residents of Allegheny County. Please call 412.578.8060 for the most up-to-date information about this program.
For more information on influenza, visit achd. net / flu. ■
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