Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH)

Upcoming webinars. Is Fasted Cardio For You? Will you get better results if you work out on an empty stomach? There’s controversy over this workout approach that some swear by. We’re delving into the research. Come join us! Tuesday, October 7 | 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM Thrive from the Inside Out: Tools for Emotional Wellness. October is National Emotional Wellness Month. This webinar delve upon emotional intelligence and how our personal emotional health affects the individual and those around us. We will end the webinar with 12 Tips to foster emotional wellness this month encouraging you to pick at least two to try yourself! Wednesday, October 8 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM To register, scan the QR code https://tinyurl.com/h2mj8uad

Join us for two free webinars this week! Tomorrow, 10/7, join us to learn more about fasted cardio (register.gotowebinar.com/register/183..., then Wednesday, 10/8, tune in for a discussion of emotional intelligence and how to foster emotional wellness (register.gotowebinar.com/register/462...)

Is vaccination worth it? YES. Vaccine side effects can be uncomfortable, but side effects from vaccines are significantly safer than the illnesses they protect against. For example, common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include fever, headache, and soreness. Risks of COVID-19 infection include lung damage, problems with thinking and memory (“brain fog”), and increased risk of stroke.

Will COVID-19 vaccines cause myocarditis? The risk of myocarditis from COVID-19 vaccination is extremely low (less than 1%). The risk of myocarditis is several times higher after COVID-19 after infection than after vaccination. Studies have found that risks of heart complications like heart attacks and strokes are actually lower in people who are vaccinated against COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated.

Is natural immunity safer than vaccination? NO. Not all viruses provide long-term immunity after infection (natural immunity). For example, although you cannot have measles more than once, there is no limit on how many times you can have COVID-19, and each reinfection raises your risk of long-term health consequences. And even when infection does provide lifelong immunity, infection is dangerous and not worth the risk. For example, measles infection can cause pneumonia, intellectual disabilities, deafness, SSPE, and more, but vaccines against measles are safe 99% effective.

Why are so many things reported in VAERS? The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) allows anyone to report any symptoms or reactions experienced after receiving a vaccine. The CDC monitors VAERS for trends and investigates to see if negative outcomes are being caused by vaccines. Because this system lists anything anyone reports after vaccination, it includes lots of things that had nothing to do with the vaccine itself. For example, you could report to VAERS that you experienced a rash hours after vaccination, then later realize the rash was caused by something you ate for lunch. This report would still be included in VAERS and publicly available to see as an incident occuring after vaccination.

Vaccines have side effects. And vaccine side effects are significantly safer than the viruses these vaccines protect against. Vaccination is your best choice for protecting yourself and others from viruses like COVID-19, measles, and many more.

durham county department of public health to conduct ultra-low volume (ULV) Spraying for mosquito control

We will be conducting truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) mosquito control spraying between 10PM and 3AM tonight (10/6) and tomorrow night (10/7) in targeted areas of Durham. Learn more in our news release here: dconc.gov/DurhamCo-New...

Spotting medical misinformation: Consider the source Be sure the speaker has a complete understanding of medical topics and is qualifed to share honest, unbiased information about medicine and healthcare! Who is the speaker? Is the person sharing the information a...doctor, scientist in a field related to medicine? Someone else with formal education or training in healthcare? if not, they might not understand the subject? What is their background? Even if they are a doctor or scientist, has the speaker ever faced consequences for bad conduct or research methods, spreading incorrect information, or other actions harmful to patients and the medical community? If so, they may not be reliable! What are their motivations? Is there a reason the speaker might be motivated to share false information? If so, they may be intentionally lying! Did you know? The first researcher to widely claim (falsely) that vaccines cause autism was found to have been paid by a law firm that wanted to sue vaccine manufacturers, and it was discovered that he intentionally falsified data. He lost his medical license as a result.

Spotting medical misinformation:beware of bad “evidence” Anecdotes are not scientific evidence You’ve probably heard things like: “I had a heart attack the week after being vaccinated. Vaccines cause heart attacks.” “I got vaccinated and never had a heart attack. Vaccines do not cause heart attacks.” So which one is true? One or a few cases almost never enough to determine cause and effect in medicine. Scientists study thousands of cases to determine if a relationship exists between two things (like vaccines and health outcomes). Always rely on scientific data from credible, qualified sources instead of individual anecdotes. Correlation is not causation Correlation: Two things related & changing together Causation: Two things changing at the same time because one is causing the other. Example: Numbers of flu cases and rates of flu shots both increase in the same season each year. There is a correlation between flu shots and flu cases. But flu shots are not causing flu cases. The return of seasonal flu each year brings higher rates of flu illness and also motivates people to get the flu shot. ...and sometimes there’s no correlation or causation. Some have claimed that increases in autism have been caused by increases in vaccination. This has repeatedly been disproven, and in recent years as vaccination rates have fallen, autism rates have continued to increase, further proving that there’s no relationship between the two.

Spotting medical misinformation: Look it up (wisely) Google and other search engines are easy ways to debunk misinformation if you know how to look! The good news: For every popular medical myth, there are lots of experts and articles explaining why it’s wrong. The bad news: For every popular medical myth, there’s at least one article out there trying to explain why it’s true. There’s lots of information online. No matter how many doctors, scientists, and credible journals confirm a fact, there will always be a link saying the experts are lying or have missed information! It’s great to want to learn more, but be sure to use credible sources! Look for articles in reputable medical journals, university websites, or well-known traditional news sites without political leanings that quote reliable doctors and researchers.

Spotting medical misinformation: Check for correct use of data. Some medical myths seem true because they referenced credible studies or related information, but be sure the facts are being interpreted correctly! The myth: Tylenol causes autism. What the studies actually said: In some cases, there appears to be an association between taking acetaminophen (like Tylenol) and having a child with autism. These studies did not claim to confirm that Tylenol actually causes the autism, and the relationship disappears when considering siblings. It’s more likely there’s something causing the Tylenol use and autism. In fact, the FDA statement reporting an association between Tylenol and autism also states that evidence has not determined that Tylenol causes autism. The myth: Adding fluoride to water lowers IQ. What the study actually said: There appears to be a relationship between fluoride intake and IQ at very high levels of fluoride, more than twice the amount added to water in the U.S. The study confirmed there is no relationship between fluoride and IQ at the levels added to water in the United States.

Misinformation affects us all, so be sure to know how to tell fact from fiction, and always talk to your doctor for help making any medical decisions! Learn more

Get vaccinated. Get your flu shot and updated COVID-19 vaccine, and ask your doctor about RSV vaccination if you have an infant, are pregnant, or are age 50 or older. Mask up. Masks help prevent the spread of illnesses that can be transmitted through the air or respiratory droplets, like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. Stay home if you're not feeling well or test positive. Stay home and away from others if you feel sick, even if it's not COVID-19.

Did you know? The steps to prevent COVID-19 can help protect you and others from RSV, the flu, and other illnesses as well. This respiratory virus season, stay up to date on vaccines, mask up, and stay home if you are not feeling well and/or test positive for an illness.

Reminder, all of our clinics and services will be closed today. We’ll see you tomorrow for your appointments, flu shots, COVID test pickup, and more!

Domestic violence impacts millions in the U.S. One in four women and one in seven men experience severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. But abuse is more than physical. It can also be emotional sexual, digital and financial. Recognizing the warning signs of abusive and controlling behaviors is important. The Hotline can help. • Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) • Text "START" to 88788 • Chat thehotline.org

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month to promote healthy relationships, learn to identify forms of abuse, find ways to get support or support others, and more. Learn more from the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org.

Sorry we will be closed for staff development day thursday, october 2

lo sentimos estaremos cerrados para el díia de desarrollo del personal jueves, 2 de octobre

All of our clinics and services will be closed tomorrow, October 2 for staff development day. Visit us today or Friday for the services and resources you need!

Listeria Outbreak Linked to Prepared Pasta Meals Information about Listeria outbreak linked to prepared meals.

UPDATE (9/30): More prepared meals have recalled:
- Trader Joe's Cajun style blackened chicken breast fettucine alfredo: 16-oz. plastic tray packages, “best if used by” dates 9/20/25, 9/24/25, or 9/27/25.
- Albertsons pasta salads: Several pasta salads sold at Albertsons www.cdc.gov/listeria/out...

4 Steps to food safety 1. Clean Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs Clean surfaces and utensils before and after preparing each food item Rinse fruits and vegetables under running water Clean the lids of canned goods before opening 2. SeparateSeparate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from other foods in your grocery shopping cart, grocery bags, and refrigerator. Use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs unless the plate has been washed in hot, soapy water. Don’t reuse marinades used on raw foods unless you bring them to a boil first. 3. Cook Use a food thermometer to make sure meat, seafood, poultry and eggs are cooked to safe internal temperatures. Color and texture are not reliable indicators of safety. When cooking in a microwave oven, cover food, stir, and rotate for even cooking Bring sauces, soups and gravy to a boil when reheating. 4. Chill Refrigerate or freeze meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, and other perishables within 2 hours of cooking or purchasing. Refrigerate within 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90° F. Always marinate food in the refrigerator. Never thaw food at room temperature, such as on the counter top. There are three safe ways to defrost food: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in the microwave.

Proper food handling is critical for reducing your risk of food poisoning. Before #FoodSafetyEducationMonth ends, learn more about the four steps to food safety: www.cdc.gov/food-safety/...

Recall alert: A listeria outbreak has been linked to certain Marketside and FreshRealm prepared meals. Twenty cases of illness and four deaths have been confirmed (as of 9/29/25). Marketside beef meatball marinara linguine meals 12-oz clear plastic tray packages labeled "Marketside Linguine with Beef Meatballs & Marinara Sauce" Best if used by dates: SEP 22, 2025; SEP 24, 2025; SEP 25, 2025; SEP 29, 2025; SEP 30, 2025; and OCT 01, 2025 Establishment number: "EST. 50784" or "EST. 47718" inside the USDA mark of inspection Shipped to Walmart locations nationwide FreshRealm chicken fettuccini alfredo meals Sold nationwide at Kroger and Walmart under the Marketside brand and the Home Chef brand. Establishment number "EST. P-50784," "EST. P-47770," or "EST. P-47718" appears on the label in the USDA mark of inspection. Best by dates: 06/27/25, 06/26/25 and 06/19/25 or prior. Sold in the refrigerated section. Does not include frozen meals. Assembled and ready for microwaving.

NC is one of 15 states in a Listeria outbreak after 20 cases of illness and four deaths have been linked to certain Marketside and FreshRealm prepared meals. If you have these products, do not eat them; throw them out. Learn more here: www.cdc.gov/listeria/out...

Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not cause autism. Tylenol has been safely used to treat pain and fever and during pregnancy for decades. Treating fevers is important because fever during pregnancy can put your baby’s life at risk. Other medications used to treat pain, like aspirin and ibuprofen, are well documented to harm the fetus and are not considered safe to use as alternatives.

The largest NIH study on the relationship between Tylenol and autism, including more than 2.4 million children, found no association between Tylenol and autism or other intellectual disabilities. Researchers found that any apparent relationship between Tylenol and autism disappears once comparing siblings, meaning it’s very unlikely Tylenol is the cause.

It is important to listen to your doctor and take Tylenol when needed. The FDA has confirmed that “acetaminophen” (Tylenol) “is the only over-the-counter drug approved for use to treat fevers during pregnancy, and high fevers in pregnant women can pose a risk to their children.”

It is important to listen to your doctor and take Tylenol when needed. The FDA has confirmed that “acetaminophen” (Tylenol) “is the only over-the-counter drug approved for use to treat fevers during pregnancy, and high fevers in pregnant women can pose a risk to their children.”

Tylenol (acetaminophen) does not cause autism. The FDA confirmed that "a causal relationship has not been established,” and studies have found there is no relationship once considering other factors. Always listen to your doctor and take Tylenol when recommended to protect yourself and your baby.

Preparedness Tips for People with Disabilities Building Your Preparedness Kit: Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language) Noise-canceling headphones to decrease auditory stimuli A portable air pump for wheelchair tires Weather radio with text display and a flashing alert Insurance cards, names and contact info of doctors, and a list of all medications, dosage and allergies Emergency supplies with Braille labels or large print Extra battery for a power wheelchair or other battery-operated medical or assistive technology devices Extra glasses, and contacts Pen and paper (in case you have to communicate with someone who does not know sign language) Preparedness Tips for People with Disabilities Before & during the emergency: For wheelchair users, show others how to assemble, disassemble and operate the wheelchair. For people with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, do not leave the person alone during the energency. Even those who aren’t prone to wandering away may do so in unfamiliar environments or situations.For people with speech disabilities, plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram. Find more tips at ready.gov/people-disabilities

If you have a disability or care for someone who does, it’s important to take extra steps to be prepared for a natural disaster or other emergency. This National Preparedness Month, learn more about how to prepare & respond to emergencies for people with disabilities: www.ready.gov/people-disab...

The registered environmental health specialist team at the durham county department of public health. A group of people smiling wearing blue polos and blue or khaki pants

This week is Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) Week! Our hardworking REHS personnel help ensure safe restaurants, drinking water, swimming pools, wastewater disposal, and more, keeping Durham healthy & safe every day. Thank you to our REHS team!

20-Minute STRONG by Zumba® Cardio and Full-Body Toning Workout Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

Fitness Friday w/ @durhamhealthnc.bsky.social - 20 Minutes STRONG by Zumba® No, this isn’t a dance class! It’s a high-intensity total body workout experience where every move is synced to the beat. It's fast paced so get ready to sweat. Choose your level and get moving! tinyurl.com/2p9ezwmb

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: I don’t have access to the highest quality masks, so there’s no reason to wear one at all.Fact: High-quality masks like N95s and KN95s (these are also called respirators) provide the best protection against COVID-19, but any mask is better than nothing. Wear the best available to you.

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: I can’t get Long COVID because I’m young, I have no health conditions, and I’m in good shape.Fact: Anyone can get Long COVID, even if you’re young, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and have never had other health issues. People of all ages and health histories have suffered from Long COVID.

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: COVID-19 is just a cold. Fact: COVID-19 is much more dangerous than the common cold. Unlike the common cold, COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths, disability, organ damage, and more. To protect your long-term health, take steps to prevent COVID-19, and if you do become sick, it’s important to get lots of rest to help your body fully recover, and talk to your doctor about treatment.

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: Vaccines don’t have any impact on whether or not I’ll get COVID-19. Fact: It is still possible to get COVID-19 after vaccination, so it’s important to also take other steps to protect yourself, but vaccines help lower the risk of infection, and they are even more effective at lowering the risk of severe illness and death if you do become sick. But protection decreases over time, so it’s important to stay up to date when it’s time for new doses.

Get the facts and beware of myths in order to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: If I’ve already had COVID-19 once, I’m immune from getting it again. Fact: There is no limit on how many times you can get COVID-19. Reinfection is common, and each new infection raises your risk of serious illness, organ damage, Long COVID, and more.

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: I won’t get COVID-19 as long as I wash my hands well. Fact: It’s always a good idea to wash your hands, but COVID-19 spreads primarily through the air and respiratory droplets, so handwashing is much less likely to prevent COVID-19 than wearing masks.

COVID-19 myths vs. facts. myth: I don’t need to wear masks if I’ve already been vaccinated.Fact: Vaccines can reduce your risk of infection, and if you do get sick after being vaccinated, you are much less likely to experience severe illness or death, but it is still possible to get COVID-19 and spread it to others even if you’ve been vaccinated, so it’s a good idea to keep masking.

COVID-19 cases are still high, so be sure to know the facts and avoid the myths in order to protect yourself and others.

Join us on October 5 for Move-A-Bull, Durham’s largest open streets celebration!

We share how this event will help make our streets safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities on Bull City Today.

Kids vaccine fact check . Get the facts about kids vaccines, and vaccinate to protect your child and others. “Kids receive too many vaccines.”Children receive about 30 injections (not including annual COVID-19 & flu shots) before their 18th birthday, to protect them from nearly 20 infections that could cause serious illness, disability, and death. And no combination of vaccines children receive could overwhelm their immune system. “I know people who survived that illness even before vaccines were available. It’s better to get sick and have natural immunity.”Getting sick to build natural immunity is far more dangerous than building immunity through vaccines. Vaccines have saved millions of lives – the majority of those being infants and young children. While some unvaccinated people fully recover from childhood illnesses, many others are left with long-term health damage or die young. It may seem like most unvaccinated people recovered because we can hear from the people who survived but not the ones who did not. “No one knows what’s in vaccines.” Vaccine ingredients are public information. All ingredients are reviewed before vaccines are approved, and anyone can visit the FDA’s website or talk to their doctor to learn what’s in any vaccine they receive. Modern vaccines contain only the ingredients that are needed for the vaccines to be as safe and effective as possible, and even the ones that may sound scary, like aluminum, are included to help your body build immunity, are studied thoroughly to ensure safety, and are present in amounts far too low to harm your body. “Vaccine side effects are too dangerous for kids” All vaccines are significantly safer than the illnesses they protect against. All medications and vaccines can have side effects, but the side effects of vaccines are almost always mild and short-term, unlike the childhood illnesses they protect against, which have caused millions of deaths and cases of disability. Unfortunately, there will always b…

There is, and always will be, lots of misinformation about vaccines for kids, but the facts have not changed: Vaccines are safe and save millions of lives. Getting your child vaccinated protects them from preventable deaths and disability and protects the people around them.

Any Covid-19 vaccine news? No, not really. The good news: ACIP met last week and provided its recommendations, so at least that part of the process is over. The bad news: We’re still not really sure what we can do yet. We’re awaiting new standing orders to let us know who we can vaccinate and how, and we’ll get started as soon as we can. Some old news: Vaccines are available at most pharmacies for those who are 65 or older or have underlying conditions. Give them a call or visit their websites for details, as their scheduling processes are requirements may vary. Thanks for hanging in there.

Today’s update on COVID-19 vaccines is that there really is no update yet, but we haven’t forgotten about you. We’ll be back for more updates as soon as we’re allowed to get started (or before then, if it takes a while).

Man using diabetes testing strip. Whether recently or ever been diagnosed with diabetes, there is always something to learn! Join the Durham County Diabetes Support Group’s monthly support group for the latest information and resources. Please register in ADVANCE to avoid cancellations! When: Tuesday, September 23, 6 p.m. Where: Virtual. Registration Required. Website: bit.ly/DCoDiabetesSG25 Contact: yreza@dconc.gov

Whether recently or ever diagnosed with diabetes, there is always something to learn to help better manage your condition! Join our monthly support group tonight (9/23) at 6 p.m. for the latest information and resources. Register here: bit.ly/DCoDiabetesSG25

So what is causing increased autism diagnoses? It’s not vaccines. Vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines have never caused autism.

Post Durham County Department of Public Health (DCoDPH) ‪@durhamhealthnc.bsky.social‬ Two things that are true: 1. Autism diagnoses have increased 2. Vaccines do not cause autism Learn more, & don't fall for harmful misinformation: So what is causing increased autism diagnoses? It’s not vaccines. Vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines have never caused autism. ALT One fact: More children are being diagnosed with autism than in the past. Two possible explanations: 1. Far more children have autism than in the past. graphics show that when more children actually have autism, more children will be diagnosed, even if you're measurements haven't changed. or 2. we're We’re doing a better job looking for autism than in the past. Graphics show that you're more likely to find more children with autism if you have a better tool to find them, even if the actual number of children with autism hasn't changed. Doctors & researchers believe explanation 2 is more likely. ALT Medical experts believe increases in autism diagnoses are largely due to reduced stigma, broader definitions of autism, & improvements in screening. Most doctors and researchers do not believe children are actually much more likely to have autism now than in the past. Instead: We now know autism is a spectrum. Decades ago, when it was estimated that only “1 in 10,000” children had autism, autism diagnoses were only for children with severe problems communicating or other distinctly unusual and repetitive behaviors. Once autism instead began to be recognized as a spectrum, including high-functioning children with no obvious communication issues, diagnoses increased significantly. Broader definitions = more children who fit the description. Parents are less afraid to seek diagnoses. Until the late 1900s, autism was heavily stigmatized and viewed as a failure by the parents and children. Children with autism were often viewed as mentally ill and even institutionalized, resulting in parents and doctors…

Medical experts believe increases in autism diagnoses are largely due to reduced stigma, broader definitions of autism, & improvements in screening. Most doctors and researchers do not believe children are actually much more likely to have autism now than in the past. Instead: We now know autism is a spectrum. Decades ago, when it was estimated that only “1 in 10,000” children had autism, autism diagnoses were only for children with severe problems communicating or other distinctly unusual and repetitive behaviors. Once autism instead began to be recognized as a spectrum, including high-functioning children with no obvious communication issues, diagnoses increased significantly. Broader definitions = more children who fit the description. Parents are less afraid to seek diagnoses. Until the late 1900s, autism was heavily stigmatized and viewed as a failure by the parents and children. Children with autism were often viewed as mentally ill and even institutionalized, resulting in parents and doctors being less likely to seek or provide diagnoses. With better awareness and less stigma, families and doctors have become more willing to get the diagnoses children need. Screening is better and more common. In the 21st century, better autism screening tools have been developed to better acknowledge that autism exists as a spectrum. Additionally, more medical providers screen all children for autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that all children be routinely screened, and more kids are now screened than ever before. Autism rates vary by resources. Rates of autism diagnoses vary widely by state, further lindicating that better screening, not increases in the actual existence of autism, accounts for recent increases in diagnoses. States with more thorough screening programs, more resources, & better access to healthcare often have higher rates of diagnoses. Simply put: when you do a better job looking for something, you’re more likely to find it

In conclusion: While it’s true that more children are diagnosed with autism, this does not mean that more children actually have autism than in the past. Additionally, dozens of studies have confirmed that vaccines do not cause autism. Likely causes of increased autism diagnoses: better definition of autism, reduced stigma, better and more frequent screening. absolutely not a cause of increased autism diagnoses: vaccines. autism is not a disease, not a burden on society, and not caused by vaccines

It’s true that autism diagnoses have increased, but experts think this is likely caused by better screening and not by significant increases in numbers of people who have autism. No matter what, we know that vaccines do not cause autism. Get the facts, and keep your kids safe with vaccines.

Recall alert: Kirkland Signature brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke sold at Costco, Item Number of 17193, is being recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. The affected Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke product is packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers and has the Kirkland Signature brand label The affected product has a Pack Date of 9/18/2025 and Sell By Date of 9/22/2025. If you have this product, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the retailer. For questions or concerns, call Western United Fresh Co. DBA Annasea Foods Group at (425) 558-7809, or email info@annasea.com if you have any issues or concerns.

Kirkland brand Ahi Tuna Wasabi Poke sold at Costco locations in NC with a Pack Date of 9/18/2025 & Sell By Date of 9/22/2025 is being recalled due to potential contaminate Listeria monocytogenes. If you have this product, throw it away or return it to Costco. Learn more: www.fda.gov/safety/recal...

A picture of a doctor cleaning a patient's arm to administer a vaccine. Text next to the image says "Flu Season 2025-2026. Get vaccinated by the end of October for the best protection this season! DCoPublicHealth.org/ FluSeason. Schedule your flu shot: (919) 560-7608 or (919) 560-7645. Programe su vacuna contra la gripe: (919) 560-7608 o 919-560-7645

It’s the first day of fall, which means the time to get your flu shot is now! All people age 6 months and older should get a flu shot, with rare exceptions. Call us at 919-560-7608 to schedule your appointment, or find other locations here: vaccinefinder.org

Free Test Pick-Up: Available at the Durham County Department of Public Health. 414 E. Main St. Durham, NC 27701 Inside all clinics & Registration lobby (clinic 1). Monday - Friday: 8:30AM- 5:00PM. Open to all people age 18+. No insurance or ID needed. Not required to be a Durham resident. What To Do Next: If you test negative: If you have symptoms, test at least one more time 48 hours after your first test (for a total of at least two tests) If you are testing because of an exposure but do not have symptoms, test at least two more times (for a total of at least three tests), with at least 48 hours between each test . If you test positive: Stay home until you are feeling better and have had no fever for at least 24 hours, and wear a mask around others for at least 5 days. More information on tests: https://tinyurl.com/ykc4szxr

It’s important to get tested for COVID-19 if you’re not feeling well, and it’s even more important to know what to do next! Be sure to test at least one more time if you test negative, and talk to your doctor about treatment if you test positive! Visit us for free tests Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5PM.

men's health council, durham county departmenet of public health. july-novermber 2025. "men on the move" walks. September 20 - Holton Healthy Mile Trail (meet at holton resource center), Saturday October 18 - Whippoorwhill park. Saturday november 15 - Merrick Moore Park

Tomorrow, 9/20, get some fresh air & exercise at our monthly Men's Health Council Community Health Walk. All people are welcome!

September 20, 9:00-10:00AM
Holton Healthy Mile Trail (meet at Holton Resource Center)
401 N. Driver St.
Durham, NC 27703

A graphic of a house showing ways to protect your septic system. The title says "do your part, be septic smart." other text says "shield your field: divert rain and surface water away and avoid parking vehicles and planting trees on your drainfield. Don't overload the commode: don't flush diapers, wipes, or other items meant for trash cans. Think at the sink: limit use of your garbage disposal and avoid pouring fats, grease, and other harsh chemicals down the drain. Septic tank: protect it and inspect it: a typical septic system should be serviced every one to three years by a septic tank professional. Keep it clean: if you are on a well, test your drinking water regularly to ensure it remains clean and free of contamination. Pump your tank: ensure your tank is pumped at regular intervals recommended by a professional." The logo for the EPA is in the bottom right corner.

It's #SepticSmart Week! Did you know? Our Environmental Health team conducts hundreds of septic site evaluations each year. You can also do your part to help protect your septic system, keep drinking water safe, & protect the environment. Learn more: www.epa.gov/septic/how-c...

Why do babies need vaccines? Because they are exposed to lots of germs and do not yet have immune systems strong enough to fight those germs. Babies are born with weak immune systems that need time to develop, so they are extremely vulnerable to diseases and infections older children and adults can more easily fight off. This puts them at much higher risk of getting sick, and if they do get sick, they are much more likely to experience serious illness, long-term health damage, or death. Vaccines significantly reduce these risks.

Is it safe for my baby to get multiple vaccines at once? Yes! Babies and children are exposed to thousands more antigens in daily life than in any combination of vaccines they receive. Antigens are the parts of germs that help the body learn to fight off diseases. The antigens in vaccines are weakened or killed so they can’t cause your baby to develop a disease, but they teach your baby’s body to fight off the disease if they’re exposed to it later. The antigens in vaccines are a tiny fraction of the number of antigens babies are exposed to in daily life, and they cannot hurt your baby even when multiple vaccines are given at once.

Are vaccine side effects safe for babies? All recommended infant vaccines have been thoroughly tested and proven safe for babies, and side effects are significantly safer than the diseases they protect against! All medications and vaccines can have side effects, but vaccine side effects are almost always mild and go away in a few days. Serious side effects are rare, and the health risks from vaccine-preventable illnesses are significantly greater than any risks from vaccines! Vaccine injuries are very rare. Serious illness or death by vaccine-preventable illnesses in unvaccinated babies is common. Your baby is significantly more likely to experience serious health consequences by skipping vaccines than by getting vaccinated.

Can I delay my baby’s vaccinations until they’re older? Delaying vaccinations does not help your baby in any way, and it puts them at risk of serious illness or death from preventable illnesses. Babies are vaccinated because they are at higher risk from preventable illnesses than people who are older. For example, the hepatitis B vaccine is administered within 24 hours of a baby’s birth because babies typically develop chronic infection for the rest of their lives if exposed while they are babies, and mothers often pass it to their baby during birth without even knowing they have it. Hepatitis B is just one of many infections that can cause mild illness adults but usually causes severe consequences in babies, so it’s critical to vaccinate them as soon as possible. Delaying vaccination does not help babies in any way but can damage their health for life.

Babies need vaccines. Babies are at high risk of severe consequences from preventable illnesses, and vaccination helps prevent early death or lifelong health damage. Follow your doctor's vaccination recommendations, and protect your child's lifelong health by getting them vaccinated on time.

'Back to school means back to classroom germs. Help protect kids from preventable illnesses by keeping them up to date on vaccines. All required vaccinations available in the Durham County Department of Public Health immunization clinic. Call us to schedule: 919-560-7608

Help protect your kids from preventable illnesses this school year by keeping them up to date on vaccines. All required vaccinations are available in our immunization clinic. Call us at 919-560-7608 to schedule.

text that says 'SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH WEBINAR Safe Homes Save Lives- Firearm Safety and Youth Suicide Prevention Unsecured firearms the home dramatically increase the risk of youth suicide. this important session, pediatrician Brian Eichner will discuss how safe firearm storage life-saving strategy in suicide prevention. He will share real-world experiences from clinical practice, tips for having effective conversations with parents and caregivers, how simple tools like gun locks can make big difference. This session ideal families, healthcare professionals, and anyone concerned with protecting youth at home and the community. September 5:30pm-6:30pm DR. BRIAN EICHNER Associate Professor Pediatrics Medical Director, Duke Pediatric Diagnostic'

Tonight, for #SuicidePreventionMonth, join us for “Safe Homes Save Lives — Firearm Safety & Youth Suicide Prevention,” a webinar with pediatrician Dr. Brian Eichner on safe firearm storage strategies to protect young lives.
9/17, 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
Register: register.gotowebinar.com/register/573...