As flu becomes widespread across the nation, it’s time for a #Flu#Tweetorial: 33 states, DC, NYC, and Puerto Rico are all experiencing HIGH levels of flu-like illness. bit.ly/2Re4lAg
1/10
This means rates of hospitalization and death from flu are similar or lower than what we typically see around this time of year. This could change. #Flu#Tweetorial 2/10
There are several “types” or strains of flu. Strains change every year (that’s why you need a flu vaccine yearly).
Each year we try to match our #FluVax to the strains we think will be circulating. #Flu#Tweetorial 3/10
Right now, the influenza B/Victoria strain has been unusually common (this can change!)
Although this year’s flu vaccine does not strongly match influenza B – it can still save your life. #Flu#Tweetorial 4/10
Let me repeat that: the flu vaccine can save your life – even if it’s not a great match for this year’s viruses.
Studies show getting a #FluVax can prevent serious complications from flu and keep you out of the hospital: bit.ly/30kVYXE #Flu#Tweetorial 5/10
Q: Who is at high risk for flu and it’s complications?
A: Children, older adults, pregnant women, & people with certain health conditions (like #diabetes, #asthma, #HeartDisease) BUT, even if you’re a healthy young adult, the flu can pose a serious threat. #Flu#Tweetorial 6/10
A flu vaccine is the *single best way* to protect yourself from flu. Everyone 6 months and older needs to get vaccinated. @CDCgov covers 3 ways to stop the spread of flu: bit.ly/36TWhv5 #Flu#Tweetorial 7/10
The flu is serious. It is different from the everyday cold.
It usually comes on suddenly and can last 2 weeks or more.
If you have mild illness, stay home and avoid contact with other people. If you are very sick or are at high risk for flu complications, contact your healthcare provider and ask about flu antivirals. #Flu#Tweetorial 9/10
Know the emergency warning signs of flu and seek medical care right away if you are experiencing these signs. For more info and resources visit @CDCgov: bit.ly/36V62ZV #Flu#Tweetorial 10/10
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I am so honored to join Senator @SarahEMcBride for an important roundtable with medical and direct service providers from Delaware to discuss their work supporting and empowering trans and LGBTQI+ youth, and access to gender-affirming care services.
Gender-affirming care is medical care. It is mental health care. It is suicide prevention care. It improves quality of life, and it saves lives. It is based on decades of study. It is a well-established medical practice.
When our #LGBTQI+ youth feel emotionally and physically safe and supported it decreases their risk for depression.
(2/6) It makes all the difference in the world to hear just one supportive person reminding you that you are a valuable human being, that your life is important, that you have no less dignity than anyone else.
(3/6) It is a great shame that anyone should ever feel so low that they would need to hear those words. But they do.
Next stop in Allentown, @LehighUHealth’s new Institute of Health Policy and Politics. One lesson we learned from COVID-19 is that we’re all interconnected. This @LehighU institute is committed to breaking down silos in health and politics and working across disciplines.
It’s always a pleasure to meet students on the road and introduce them to @usphscc. I have no doubt that the new @LehighUHealth Institute will cultivate some of our brightest leaders!
For more information about the Public Health Service, visit usphs.gov
Rounded out my day in Allentown with a student forum at @cedarcrestcolle.
What gives me hope and optimism for the future is seeing their drive and passion to work for the common good. Thank you for having me!
I am pleased to announce our most recent advance in our #COVID19 testing ecosystem – one that will support the continued safe and sensible reopening of America, and particularly our K-12 schools.
The Administration and @HHSGov will distribute approximately 100 million @AbbottNews#BinaxNOW tests to governors of states and territories, beginning with a total of 6.5 million tests this week!
The #BinaxNOW test detects the presence of #COVID19 antigen within 15 minutes and is easy to administer. The test also comes w/ a free companion smart phone app called NAVICA to provide test results to the patient.
3/4 We are honored to collaborate with @AegisSciences and life sciences tools companies such as @thermofisher to ensure ⬆️ access to #COVID19 testing with rapid results.
Let me be clear, we’re still partnering w/retail & pharmacy companies such as @CVSHealth, @HealthMart, @riteaid, @Walgreens & @Walmart to conduct #COVID19 testing. Since @POTUS launched this initiative, sites conducted nearly 2M tests & have been offered an extension thru Nov 30.
Thanks to our retail and pharmacy partnerships in 800 + locations across America, we have expanded our community testing support to a sustainable model in our most vulnerable communities.
Our partnership w/retail & pharmacy companies provides convenient access to #COVID19 tests AND serves as a bridge for the implementation of new regulatory flexibilities, expanded reimbursement options & the new authority given to pharmacists to order & administer #COVID19 testing