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  • Johnson City: Meeting on flu prevention set for Thursday

    Meeting on flu prevention set for Thursday


    Story Published on Tuesday, September 8, 2009<table width="150" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td align="center">
    The ?Smile, Don?t Shake? motto means ?smile at people and greet them, but don?t shake their hands during this next four- or five-month period. (Contributed to the Press / )
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    By Teresa Hicks


    Local residents are invited to attend a community meeting on flu prevention Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at City Hall.

    The meeting will feature a question-and-answer session with a panel of local leaders and health experts.

    Both seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu will be discussed.

    The meeting will be televised on the city?s public access station, channel 16 on Charter?s cable system. Anyone is welcome to submit flu-related questions ahead of time by e-mail at comrel@johnsoncitytn.org or content@tricities.com, by fax at 434-6085, or in person at City Hall.

    Thursday night?s panel will include Shirley Hughes, emergency response coordinator for the Northeast Tennessee Regional Health Department; Johnson City Schools Director Richard Bales; Dr. Susan Kiernan of the Washington County School System; Dr. Felix Sarubbi, professor of internal medicine at East Tennessee State University; and Gary Mabrey, CEO for the local Chamber of Commerce.

    ?This is a collaborative effort between Johnson City, Washington County and the town of Jonesborough,? Myron said. ?All three mayors feel it?s very important to provide this information to our citizens, and are working together to provide this expert information for the public.?

    Members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting and ask questions, but city officials want to remind all attendees to greet each other with a smile or friendly word instead of a handshake.

    ?We have stickers that we?re having printed up,? Myron said. ?Our motto there is, ?Smile, don?t shake.? That means smile at people and greet them, but don?t shake their hands during this next four- or five-month period.?

    For more information, call 434-6021.

    "In the beginning of change, the patriot is a scarce man (or woman https://flutrackers.com/forum/core/i...ilies/wink.png), and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for it then costs nothing to be a patriot."- Mark TwainReason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it. -Thomas Paine

  • #2
    Re: Johnson City: Meeting on flu prevention set for Thursday

    H1N1: Flu Prevention Meeting with Government, Health and Business Officials(09/10/2009)

    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:01
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Good evening and thank you for joining us tonight! Feel free to tune in to channel 16 or 17 (charter or comcast) to watch this town hall live! </td></tr></tbody></table> <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:08
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    The vaccine for many is the most current question, whats the advice to the public about vaccinations? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:09
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Children and those over the age of 65 should be getting their seasonal flu vaccination now. The H1N1 vacc. should be available soon, but we will see a different group being vaccinated. Those who are pregnant, young adults, should get this vaccination. The elderly are not at as great a risk with H1N1 (Shirley Hughes, RN, Emergency Response Coordinator) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:10
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    What are the different symptoms of H1N1 and the regular seasonal flu? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:11
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Overall, this flu is not as bad as the seasonal flu - so far in other countries we've seen mild cases (in the Southern Hemisphere). One thing we've seen that is strange is lack of fever - fever is less often seen with the H1N1 but for the most part this is a very routine type of influenza. Not a severe, but a softer experience with this strain. (Dr. Felix Sarubbi, Professor of Medicine, James H Quillen College of Medicine)
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:14
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    How should businesses be preparing for an outbreak of flu that might have a significant number of employees calling in sick? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:16
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">We would encourage biz to do everything they can to keep their employees healthy. We've also encouraged businesses to stay ahead of the curve and be informed, to minimize rumors and to be prepared to plan in the case of something like this. (Gary Mabry / Chamber of Commerce) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:17
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    What is being done in the schools? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:19
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">We have a four stage plan: to be proactive, communicate, educate and be prepared to react quickly. We have three clinics in three schools that we partner with the College of Nursing at ETSU. We try to be up front with our treatment, and sending children home. Coordinated School Health also provides free flu shots to all nursing staff. This year they are partnering to provide school children and parents with (not free) flu shots. We think its more important now that we also keep our school high-traffic areas clean. (Dr. Susan Kiernan, Washington County Department of Education) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:21
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Programs like Scrubby Bear are ongoing and teach children to wash their hands properly, and we teach children regularly to wash their hands. (Kiernan) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:22
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">If we WERE to have to close school, that would be a parent's responsibility to keep their children home. That's something we also need to stress - that parent's need to be prepared in case they have to stay </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:22
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">home with their children - Dr. Richard Bales, Director, Johnson City Schools </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:23
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    Under what circumstances would you have to cancel school? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:23
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">This is a workforce issue as well, what if not only students, but also teachers and other workers had to stay home? This could become a workforce related issue, not just schoolchildren.... (Bales and Kiernan) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:24
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    What do you say to parents who have heard that someone has swine flu at their school? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:25
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">If it warrants closing, we will make the decision to close. Ultimately we are concerned with the students safety and that always comes before instruction. (Bales)

    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:27
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Dr. Sarubbi - people should avail themselves of the seasonal flu vaccine when it is available. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:29
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">WIth H1N1 there are specific groups that should get the vaccine - young children, pregnant women and other groups that have comprmising or underlying medical conditions. Tamiflu is also an option for these people. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:29
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">(According to Dr. Sarubbi)
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:30
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Angela]
    How many serious cases and deaths are predicted in our area, if any? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:30
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Thanks for your Question Angela - I will ask your question as soon as possible - we are getting ready to take public questions. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:33
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Shirley Hughes advises we have had 4 deaths in Tenn. so far, and in all of these deaths we've seen that those cases had underlying cuases as well. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:34
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">We do know that we have H1N1 in our community, but the severity has been very mild. We know that we have had hospitalizations, but we feel very fortunate that we've had milder cases. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:34
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">The decision was made by CDC to stop counting numbers, but we were not seeing a lot of deaths, even though there were many hospitalizations. We are not able to give you a good number on the number of cases specifically.
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:35
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">So far we've had (reported) 733 cases, but we are encouraging continued reporting, this number is not entirely accurate. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:37
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Thanks, Angela! Did that answer your question? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:38
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Angela]
    Yes. Thank you for your time. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:38
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    If a family member is sick, should I be leaving the house and going to work, etc.? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:40
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Yes, as long as that person is well, they should go about their daily business. While at home, if you could avoid direct contact with teh sick person, that would help prevent transmission. Also, practice good disenfecting habits in the home.
    As long as the healthy person continues to exhibit no symptoms, they should go about their regular routine. (Dr. Felix Sarubbi) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:41
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Panelist Q & A]
    If you have children, and you think maybe you have the flu - when do you push that "its time to go to the doctor button"? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:43
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">It really varies depending on the situation and the child or the person. (Dr. Sarubbi) It is very hard for me to say when you should call or go to a physician.
    There is a red flag that the CDC raises - when the individual has difficulty breathing and signifigant respiratory complaints - that is a red flad. Especially lower respiratory symptoms. One of the dreaded complications of influenza is bacterial superinfection (like pnuemonia). The other is primary influenza pnuemonia. When you get lower respiratory symptoms, you should go to the hospital. However, very few of those cases occur. (Dr. Sarubbi)
    </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:43
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Jenny Brock]
    When the H1N1 vaccine is available, will a person be protected if they take the first vaccine, but not the second? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:44
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Chef Bradley]
    Where can business and organizations get the Smile Don't Shake material to post in their workplaces? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:44
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Jenny and Chef Bradley - hold on just one moment and I will ask your questions! </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:45
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">I believe you can pick up Smile and Dont Shake material here at Town Hall and also at the Chamber of Commerce. There are materials here now at the front door if you would like to come on down. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:46
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Jane broyles]
    Please address the possible side effects of the H1N1 vaccine. They are trying to get it out so quickly, is it being tested adequately? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:46
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Chef Bradley]
    Thank you but I have 2 elderly people to watch right now but I will stop by the chamber tomorrow. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:47
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">if you will give me your email address, I will double check this for you after the panel is over, Chef Bradley, to make sure that is correct. I am getting ready to ask the vaccine questions as soon as Shirley is done with this question. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:48
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">you can email me at hseay@tricities.com with the address, if you feel safer doing so </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:52
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Jenny - your Q is being answered now... </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:52
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">We were looking at recc. two vaccine for H1N1 because this is such a new vaccine. For planning purposes we did encourage two, but CDC is saying now that possibly one will be effective. The Dept. of Health is staying with a recc. of two right now. (Shirley Hughes, DOH) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:53
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Chef Bradley]
    I am the chef for Meals On wheels in the 8 county region and would like to provide mateial and buttons for our coordinators at the sites along with the rest of the Agency if possible. My work e-mail is bhumphries@fthra.org and or my home e-mail is bhcountrycheftn@aol.com </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:53
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Thanks, Chef - I will ask Gary Mabry and Mayor Myron about this and definitely get back to you! </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:54
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">There is no reason to believe at this time that we will see any different side effects out of the routine from the H1N1 vaccine. (side effects we are seeing now are similar to that of the regular seasonal flu vaccine) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:55
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">*** Sanitizer should be at least 62% ethyl alcohol for good disenfecting properties ** (answer to Q from audience) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:55
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Marsha Albright]
    If you have just given blood and find out that the next day you are feeling like you are getting the flu...is the Red Cross monitoring this? </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:56
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Yes, I can go ahead and answer that myself. The Red Cross is monitoring this and they ask when you give blood, that if you feel sick within a week of your donation that you call them and let them know. (I actually gave blood yesterday) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:56
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">They also, of course, ask you if you are feeling sick when you donate. If you do, they ask that you don't donate. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">7:56
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Marsha Albright]
    Thanks. </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">8:00
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Chef, you can contact the community relations department at the city and they say they would be glad to provide you with table cards and stickers </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">8:00
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">I will go ahead and email your info to Becky Hilbert and Keisha Bruce with community relations, they should be able to help you. =) </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname viewer_text" nowrap="nowrap">8:01
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext viewer_text viewer_text_size">[Comment From Chef Bradley]
    Thsnks a lot for your assistance </td></tr></tbody></table>
    <table><tbody><tr valign="top"><td class="chatmsgname altcaster_text" nowrap="nowrap">8:03
    </td><td class="chatmsgtext altcaster_text altcaster_text_size">Thanks everyone! Have a great evening and thanks for joining us! </td></tr></tbody></table>http://www2.tricities.com/tri/news/l...nection/32155/
    "In the beginning of change, the patriot is a scarce man (or woman https://flutrackers.com/forum/core/i...ilies/wink.png), and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for it then costs nothing to be a patriot."- Mark TwainReason obeys itself; and ignorance submits to whatever is dictated to it. -Thomas Paine

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