What is the Flu?

Influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly.

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

For more flu information and tips click here.

Community Matters launches Your Opinion Matters! on health in Jefferson County

Community Matters, a public health assessment, visioning and planning process sponsored by the Jefferson County Department of Health and supported by the local public health system, is launching its Your Opinion Matters! Survey. This survey is an opportunity for anyone who lives, learns, works, worships or plays in Jefferson County to provide an assessment of issues related to health and quality of life in Jefferson County, Alabama.

According to Mark E. Wilson, MD, Jefferson County Health Officer, “The people of Jefferson Countyhave a wide variety of perspectives based on where he or she lives, and works, and his or her race, ethnicity, age, gender and health status, etc. While health statistics and expert opinions are used to create the Community Health Assessment, theassessment isn’t complete without input from a large number of people who reflect the great diversity of our county. Survey response helps the health department and its partners make plans that promote a healthier Jefferson County for all. Everyone’s opinion matters!”

The survey is available online at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHHF8J8 and in Spanish at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7J86CRZ. Paper copies can be requested by emailing communitymatters@jcdh.org and the survey can be provided verbally by calling 205-930-1478. Information provided from this assessment will inform the 2019 Community Health Assessment for Jefferson County, Alabama and the county’s community health improvement plan for 2019-2024.

The most recent Community Health Assessment and the current Community Health Improvement Plan for Jefferson County, Alabama can be accessed here and here respectively. Some of the accomplishments in Jefferson County include: Zyp BikeShare’s provision of biking options in Birmingham, the Recovery Resource Center connecting individuals affected by substance abuse to treatment resources, and the Mother’s Milk Bank of Central Alabama providing donated breast milk to local hospital neonatal intensive care units.

To learn more about Community Matters, please contact:

Community Matters

1400 6^th Avenue South

Birmingham, AL 35233

Phone: (205)930-1578

communitymatters@jcdh.org