Health information

Perry County Health Department: Protecting and Promoting Wellness in Ohio

The Perry County Health Department (PCHD) stands at the forefront of public health in southeastern Ohio, working year-round to protect and improve the well-being of local residents. From addressing emerging diseases to promoting healthy lifestyles, the department plays a crucial role in building a healthier future for Perry County.

Rising Health Concerns and Community Trends

In recent years, Perry County has seen a noticeable increase in Lyme disease cases, mirroring a statewide trend due to the growing presence of black-legged ticks. Between 2020 and 2024, this spike in vector-borne illness highlighted the need for increased awareness and prevention efforts.

Additionally, the 2021 Community Health Assessment identified two major concerns: limited access to healthcare and the burden of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. These findings now guide many of the department’s strategies and public health programs.

A Broad Range of Services for All Ages

PCHD delivers a wide spectrum of services that touch nearly every aspect of community life:

• Preventive Care: In collaboration with the James Cancer Center, the department brings mobile mammography clinics to residents, helping detect breast cancer early.
• Maternal & Child Health: Programs like WIC, Cribs for Kids, and the Ohio Buckles Buckeyes Car Seat Program provide essential resources to families, ensuring that young children grow up safe and healthy.
• Environmental Safety: Whether it’s septic system inspections, restaurant food safety checks, or vector control, the department safeguards the environment in which residents live and work.
• Health Education: Through the Creating Healthy Communities initiative, PCHD empowers residents with resources like community gardens, cooking classes, and planning for walkable, bike-friendly spaces.

Tackling Substance Use and Emergency Response

Perry County, like many rural areas in Ohio, has been affected by the opioid crisis. PCHD has responded by distributing naloxone (Narcan) and offering training sessions that can save lives during overdoses.

In addition, the department works closely with local partners to enhance emergency preparedness, ensuring that Perry County is ready to respond to public health threats ranging from severe weather to infectious disease outbreaks.

Get Connected

If you’re a resident looking to access services or learn more about your health, the Perry County Health Department is here to help:

• Address: 409 Lincoln Park Drive, New Lexington, OH 43764
• Phone: (740) 342-5179
• Website: perrycountyhealth.info

Annual reports, detailed assessments, and more information about ongoing initiatives can be found on their website.

Whether it’s preventing disease, promoting wellness, or preparing for the unexpected, the Perry County Health Department remains a trusted resource and advocate for community health.

Understanding the Role of the Flu Vaccine and Healthy Lifestyle in Preventing Illness

When it comes to preventing illnesses like the flu, both the flu vaccine and maintaining a healthy lifestyle play crucial roles. However, they serve distinct functions that complement each other in the broader picture of health and immunity.

The Flu Vaccine: Targeted Protection

The flu vaccine is specifically designed to protect against prevalent flu strains each season. It is recommended for high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. The vaccine’s effectiveness can vary annually, depending on how well the vaccine strains match the circulating flu viruses, but even when it’s not 100% effective, it can still reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization.

For example, during the 2024-2025 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization in children by 63-78% and in adults by 41-55%. This shows that even with variable effectiveness, the flu vaccine remains a powerful tool for reducing severe outcomes and preventing complications.

Diet, Exercise, and Vitamins: A Holistic Approach to Health

On the other hand, a healthy lifestyle—through diet, exercise, and vitamins—builds a stronger immune system over time, making the body more resilient against infections. These lifestyle factors don’t specifically target the flu virus, but they help to strengthen overall immune function, providing long-term health benefits and reducing the risks for other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

For individuals with strong immune systems, focusing on healthy nutrition, regular exercise, and vitamin intake might be enough to fend off or minimize flu symptoms. However, for those in high-risk categories, such as the elderly or individuals with chronic medical conditions, the flu vaccine can be a more immediate safeguard against severe complications.

A Balanced Approach: Combining Both Strategies

In reality, the best approach may be a combination of both strategies—maintaining a healthy lifestyle while also considering the flu vaccine, especially if you are in a vulnerable group. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper vitamin supplementation can enhance the body’s ability to fight infections, while the flu vaccine provides an extra layer of protection against seasonal flu strains.

Vulnerable Groups for the 2025 Flu Season

Certain groups are more vulnerable to severe flu complications, and for them, both vaccination and other preventative measures are vital. These groups include:

1. Elderly (65 and older): Aging weakens the immune system, making flu infections more severe. Many flu-related hospitalizations and deaths occur in this group.

2. Infants and Young Children (under 5, especially under 2): Their immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to serious flu complications.

3. Pregnant Women: Pregnancy weakens the immune system, and flu infections can increase risks for both mother and baby.

4. People with Chronic Medical Conditions: Conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weakened immune systems significantly raise the risk of severe flu outcomes.

5. Residents of Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities: These environments facilitate flu spread, and many residents have pre-existing health issues.

6. Obese Individuals (BMI 40 or higher): Obesity has been strongly linked to increased risk of severe flu symptoms and complications.

7. Indigenous Populations: Some studies suggest Native American and Alaska Native populations experience higher flu-related complications.

For these vulnerable populations, doctors strongly recommend flu vaccination, alongside other protective measures like handwashing, mask-wearing, and avoiding contact with sick individuals during peak flu season.

The Flu Vaccine’s Effectiveness and Side Effects

While the flu vaccine’s effectiveness can fluctuate, it generally provides significant protection. For example, in the 2024-2025 season, the flu vaccine’s effectiveness ranged from 32% to 78% depending on age and whether the individual was in an outpatient or hospitalized setting.

Most side effects associated with the flu vaccine are mild and temporary, including:

• Injection site reactions (soreness or redness)

• Systemic symptoms like headache, fever, and fatigue

In rare cases, individuals may experience severe reactions like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) or anaphylaxis, though these are exceedingly rare. The risks are much lower than the risk of complications from the flu itself.

The Role of Healthy Lifestyle in Preventing Flu

A healthy lifestyle, focusing on diet, exercise, and vitamin supplementation, can help reduce the overall risk of illness. For individuals with a strong immune system, focusing on these areas may suffice in preventing or minimizing flu symptoms. In particular, regular physical activity helps maintain a strong immune system, and good nutrition ensures the body has the necessary resources to fight off infections.

While the flu vaccine is the most direct protection against flu-related complications, the role of a healthy lifestyle cannot be overstated. For example:

• A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports the body’s immune response.

• Regular exercise improves circulation and immune function, making it easier for the body to fend off infections.

• Vitamin D and other immune-boosting supplements can further help the body combat flu viruses.

Factors Contributing to Severe Flu Outcomes

Several factors increase the likelihood of severe flu outcomes, such as hospitalization or death:

• Age: Older adults (65+) and young children under 5 are particularly vulnerable.

• Chronic health conditions: Conditions like asthma, heart disease, and obesity increase the risk of severe illness.

• Vaccination status: Those who are unvaccinated or have a weak immune response to the vaccine are at higher risk.

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women face increased risks for both themselves and their unborn babies.

• Delayed medical treatment: Not seeking timely medical attention can lead to more severe outcomes.

• Smoking and poor lifestyle: Weakened lung function and poor immune health increase susceptibility to flu complications.

Conclusion: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Flu Prevention

In summary, both the flu vaccine and a healthy lifestyle contribute to reducing the risk of flu and its potentially severe complications. For people in high-risk categories, vaccination provides crucial, immediate protection, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, and vitamins can bolster the body’s long-term immune resilience. A combination of both approaches can offer the most effective defense against flu, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.

By taking these preventive measures seriously, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of severe flu outcomes, ensuring a healthier and safer flu season.

As of March 22, 2025, the Ohio Department of Health reports that influenza activity in Ohio is classified as “very high.”

Flu Vaccination Statistics:

Vaccination rates for the 2024–2025 flu season in Ohio are as follows:

• Adults (18 years and older): Approximately 42.9% received a flu vaccination in the past 12 months, ranking Ohio 24th among states.  

• Children (6 months to 17 years): As of March 22, 2025, 47.8% were vaccinated, a decrease from 52.3% at the same time the previous season.  

These figures suggest a slight decline in vaccination coverage compared to the prior season.

Recent Flu Activity:

In central Ohio, nearly 400 flu-related hospitalizations occurred in the first week of February 2025, contributing to a statewide total of approximately 6,600 hospitalizations since late September 2024.  

For the most current and detailed information, please refer to the Ohio Department of Health’s Seasonal Influenza Activity Report and the CDC’s Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard.