The symptoms of canine influenza are cough, runny nose, eye discharge, fever, lethargy and poor appetite. The signs range in severity between no signs at all and severe illness sometimes resulting in death.


The winners were:

The awards and event are part of the County’s push to end the HIV epidemic by 2030 after being named a priority jurisdiction for the Federal Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative in 2020. Dec. 1 marks two years since the public release of A Plan to End HIV in Montgomery County, which outlines strategies to reduce new HIV transmissions by 90 percent in 10 years.


 The increase in transmission has occurred both in the County and in other jurisdictions around the region.  Combined with influenza cases and other significant respiratory disease, emergency department visits and hospitalization rates have increased as well.


Per MCPD: As the holiday season coincides with a rise in respiratory virus cases, Montgomery County, in partnership with Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar and Westfield Wheaton, will provide free COVID bivalent boosters and flu shots during the 2nd holiday “Boosterama” vaccine event. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at Westfield Wheaton mall. Boosterama will be held outside of Carter’s on the 2nd floor of Westfield Wheaton. No appointment is needed. Pediatric booster shots will not be available at the event. Individuals who receive their COVID booster or a flu shot at the event will be eligible to win one of eight gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s wide variety of retailers.

Respiratory illnesses such as RSV, flu and COVID are currently on the rise. While there is no vaccination for RSV, there are vaccinations available for flu and COVID. Boosterama events are part of a broader effort by the County to encourage residents to use common sense health measures, including staying up to date on vaccinations.


Per the State or Maryland: The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today fully launched the Trained Military Assistance Provider (TMAP) Program, a new initiative to reduce suicides and increase lethal-means safety for service members and veterans. Developed by the Maryland Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and their Families, this training is free to all Maryland-based primary care staff. The initiative was first launched as a pilot program in 10 Maryland primary care practices.

“Maryland’s service members and veterans benefit from specially targeted medical and mental health care,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader (CAPT, U.S. Navy, Retired). “With this new resource, we aim to reach providers and practices and let them know we have the information and the tools to help this population before they reach a crisis.”


Per Montgomery County: The third holiday season with COVID-19 is underway, and everyone agrees that COVID fatigue exists. A few simple steps of caution can make being with family and friends enjoyable while reducing the risk of illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as colds and flu. Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services offers the following things to keep in mind when planning for family gatherings:


 “The County’s HIV epidemiological profile shows a need to address underlying racial/ethnic and other health disparities,” said keynote speaker Laurie Anne Sayles, a County Councilmember-elect. “Montgomery County’s Plan to End HIV must be grounded in health equity. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many unsung heroes working across the county to raise awareness about prevention and treatment. We all play a role in eradicating HIV, and by addressing health disparities, we lay the foundation of ensuring our residents live safe and healthy lives.”


Per the State of Maryland—Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced that more than one million Marylanders have received their COVID-19 bivalent booster since September in order to be COVIDReady in time for the holidays. “Through our COVIDReady plan, Maryland continues to be one of the most vaccinated and boosted states in the country,” said Governor Hogan. “We are grateful for the everyday vigilance of Marylanders, and the leadership of our GoVAX ambassadors, who have reminded us that we truly are all in this together.”

(Watch)


Per the State of Maryland—With Medicare Open Enrollment in full swing, Governor Larry Hogan and Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Rona E. Kramer are reminding Marylanders that lower premiums are available for Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. In addition, beneficiaries can now compare 2023 Medicare health and drug coverage premiums and deductibles using the recently updated Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. “Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to many residents across the state who utilize the program,” said Governor Hogan. “We want to continue to ensure that every Marylander has access to affordable care and, ultimately, a better quality of life.”

More than 1 million Marylanders are enrolled in Medicare. The projected average premium for 2023 Medicare Advantage plans is $18 per month, a decline of nearly 8% from the 2022 average premium of $19.52. Medicare Advantage plans will continue to offer a wide range of supplemental benefits in 2023, including eyewear, hearing aids, preventive and comprehensive dental benefits, access to meals (for a limited duration), over-the-counter items, and fitness benefits. The average basic monthly premium for standard Part D coverage—which helps pay for both brand-name and generic prescription drugs—is projected to be $31.50, compared to $32.08 in 2022.


I would also like to share these health news items before the break:

The pandemic has shown us the importance of cherishing time together with friends and family, and our shared responsibility in health and safety.  Once again, I thank everyone for their commitment to the health of our school community, and for supporting each other with respect and kindness.


Per the State of Maryland: The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today launched a new webpage with resources about respiratory virus infections spreading rapidly this fall and steps Marylanders can take to protect themselves. The move follows Governor Hogan’s announcement about statewide preparedness efforts to address an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and potential COVID-19 and flu surges.

The state has seen an early surge of severe respiratory illness, especially in very young and school-age children. Many children with RSV or other respiratory illnesses will experience cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, and fever, that get better within a week or two. However, infants, people who are immunocompromised, and people living with certain chronic medical conditions may experience severe illness that can cause difficulty breathing and hospitalization. Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.


View More Stories