Information for the Public - Kanawha Charleston Health Department

Welcome to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department

Division of Epidemiology

Important Health News: Pertussis Information

Protect yourself!

Infectious diseases can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, income, or lifestyle. Below is some information on what you can do to protect yourself.

5 Easy Steps

Here are five easy steps you can take to help protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick:

1. Wash your hands!

Wash your hands after you go to the bathroom, wash your hands before you cook, wash your hands before you eat, wash your hands before you hold a baby, wash your hands after changing a diaper, wash your hands after handling money, wash your hands after touching animals, wash your hands, wash your hands, and wash your hands.

2. Cook food thoroughly, especially poultry.

Food can carry lots of harmful bacteria that can make you very sick, but being sure to cook it thoroughly will kill the bacteria and keep you healthy.

3. Wash fruits and vegetables.

Just like meat, fruits and vegetables can carry harmful bacteria as well. Be sure to was them thoroughly, especially those that you plan to eat raw or uncooked.

4. Clean.

Use anti-bacterial sprays or wipes, such as Lysol or Clorox, and clean common surfaces around your home such as countertops, door knobs, toilets, and faucets. Bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces anywhere from a couple of minutes to days on end. A little clean up can go a long way in preventing illness.

5. Stay home if you are sick!

If you're feeling ill, stay home from work and other activities because you may cause others to get sick as well. A common cold that is just an inconvenience for you could be a life-threatening illness for an infant, an elderly person, or anyone with an underlying health condition. Do yourself, and everyone else, a favor and stay home until you feel better!

Additional Information

Vaccine Information for the Public and Health Professionals

Vaccine Safety

WV Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Get vaccinated!

Vaccinations exist for all kinds of different illnesses and will not only help protect yourself from getting ill, but it will help protect those around you as well.

Vaccines are quick, easy, and very safe. Many vaccines are given in a single dose, while others may require additional doses or a booster later on in life.

Some vaccines can provide lifelong protection against a disease, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, however others may only provide temporary protection such as the influenza vaccine, aka the flu shot.

Here is a list of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines:

Diptheria
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hib
HPV
Influenza
Measles
Mumps
Meningitis
Mumps
Pertussis
Pneumonia
Polio
Rabies
Rotavirus
Rubella
Shingles
Smallpox
Tetanus
Varicella

KCHD offers dozens of vaccines for children and adults at a low cost. For more information about the vaccines we provide, visit our Clinical Services webpage, or call (304) 348-8080.