Please click the link below to learn more about:
How Vaccines Strengthen Your Baby’s Immune System
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Blood Pressure & Wellness Clinics
Blood pressure is the pressure that blood causes by pushing against the walls of arteries in the body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage your heard and cause health problems if it remains high for a long period of time. Hypertension is the clinical name for high blood pressure. Having hypertension puts a person at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.
Bristol Burlington Health District offers free blood pressure and wellness clinics at Burlington Town Hall and at Bristol Burlington Health District by appointment.
Communicable Disease Surveillance and Reporting
The Bristol-Burlington Health District provides surveillance and control of selected communicable diseases. Connecticut General Statutes require that physicians, hospitals, and laboratories report selected diseases to the local health department. ReportableDiseases.pdf (ct.gov)
Foodborne Illnesses
Foodborne illnesses are caused by consuming food or beverages contaminated by certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These illnesses affect the gastrointestinal tract and may case symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and fever. These illnesses can be passed from person to person through contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces. The most common foodborne illnesses are norovirus, campylobacter, salmonella, and E. coli. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness every year. Bristol Burlington Health District offers contact investigation, education, and case management.
Influenza
Influenza (commonly called the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
-fever (usually high)
-headache
-tiredness (can be extreme)
-cough
-sore throat
-runny or stuffy nose
-body aches
-diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children than adults.
Bristol-Burlington Health District offers an annual flu clinic, community surveillance, and education. For more information see Connecticut Department of Public Health information on influenza.
Lead
Lead poisoning is caused by swallowing or inhaling lead dust, which can gradually build up over time. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. Children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. Bristol Burlington Heath District offers case management, education, epidemiological investigation, and home visits as needed for those with elevated lead levels and lead poisoning. For more information, click here: Lead Poisoning Prevention | Lead | CDC
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow growing bacteria. TB spreads through the air from one person to another when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sings. When a person breathes in TB bacteria, it can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. Whereas pulmonary TB is the most common setting for TB, the bacteria can move to other parts of the body such as the kidney, spine and brain. If TB is left untreated, it can be fatal. Bristol Burlington Health District provides contact investigation, case management, education, and directly observed therapy via electronic or home visits. For additional information, click on the following links: Basic TB Facts | TB | CDC
Asthma:
Asthma is chronic lung disease that affects children and adults. It causes narrowing of the airways that can lead to repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Asthma can be controlled by taking medication and avoiding triggers that can cause an attack. Common triggers include tobacco smoke, dust, mold, pollen, dander or saliva from animals with fur or feathers, air pollution, cold or windy weather, products with strong scents, and some health conditions. Bristol Burlington Health District offers education and connection with care.
For those experiencing difficulty controlling their asthma symptoms leading to emergency room use, or missed days of school or work, there are services available to help. Please speak with your provider or click on this link to be directed to Central CT Health District to learn more about Putting on AIRS, an asthma indoor risk strategy program designed to help people regain control of their asthma.
