Fentanyl was involved in about two-thirds of overall overdose deaths for people of all ages. The Covid-19 pandemic also exacerbated the drug epidemic, with overdose deaths reaching record levels in 2021. The number of deadly poisonings among children under 5 had been decreasing since the passage of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act in 1970, when harder-to-open childproof packaging became a standard for many medicines, other studies have shown.īut illicitly used drugs like fentanyl, which is 100 times stronger than morphine and can kill quickly, don’t come in childproof packaging. Narcan nasal spray maker aims for over-the-counter price of less than $50 (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service/Getty Images A number of branches in the Chicago Public Library system have Narcan available. "Getting your annual flu shot is therefore extra important this year.The two doses of Narcan which can be given for a opioid overdose in an emergency situation. "The initial symptoms of the flu (fever, cough, runny nose, aches, headache) resemble COVID-19 symptoms so you may feel quite worried that you have COVID-19 when you actually have the flu," said Justman. Get a flu shot.Īlthough flu rates were much lower than usual last year due to the lockdown, we can expect more flu to be circulating as indoor social activities increase. "As the CDC website notes, if you currently smoke, the best thing to do is quit. "This means if you are exposed to COVID-19 and are a current or former cigarette smoker, you are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19," said Justman. If you didn't already have enough reasons to quit, now you know that smoking is also a known risk factor for more severe COVID-19. "Don’t wait for the pandemic to be over to go back to the dentist. "Poor dental health, especially gum disease, is a significant risk factor for more severe COVID-19, including death from COVID," said Justman. Take care of your smile.Ī new season is the perfect time to book that missed dental appointment, and not just because it'll help you look great. "This is understandable but the pandemic that has lasted 18 months and is still continuing." Don’t let these important routine healthcare appointments wait any longer, she advised. "Many people have been waiting to schedule routine screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, and doctors’ appointments until the pandemic is over," said Justman. "Get vaccinated if you have not already done so wear a mask, one that fits snugly over your nose and mouth, in public indoor spaces or with unvaccinated individuals indoors avoid touching your face with unwashed hands wash your hands with soap after touching potentially contaminated surfaces and try to continue to maintain social distance from others as much as possible." 6. Jessica Justman, senior technical director of ICAP at Columbia University and associate professor of medicine in epidemiology at Columbia University explained. "We should all continue to practice the COVID safety ‘basics,’" Dr. Safety tips may be changing in regard to COVID-19 so stay alert for new information. Health & Wellness Get moving with this 31-day walking plan 5.
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