COVID-19 Death Confirmed in Ida County

 COVID-19 Death Confirmed in Ida County

The Ida County Department of Public Health today announced the first death associated with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the county. The individual was greater than 80 years old.

“We wish to extend our sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Rebecca Burns, Ida County Public Health Coordinator.  “Ida County Public Health and all of our key partners throughout the county and state continue to work to limit the spread and impact of this virus in our communities.”

All residents should:

• Stay home as much as possible. Leave only for essential errands like groceries or getting medication. When you run these errands, send only one person from the household, if possible.
• Stay home when even mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally wouldn’t prevent you from your everyday activities).
• Wear a face covering when in public and practice social distancing when possible.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the IDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus or coronavirus.iowa.gov. and follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth.

Horn Community Health Offers Flu Clinics

Now is the time to prepare for the flu season. Horn Memorial Community Health will be offering flu shot clinics. Please call our office at 712-364-7311 to reserve your time to receive the flu vaccine.  We will not be taking walk-ins this year, so please call ahead and schedule your time.  This will help eliminate a crowd of people at the same time.  We also require you to wear a mask when you come to receive your flu vaccine.  The following are the locations and time frames we will be offering the flu vaccine.

• Thursday, October 8^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Ida Grove Fire Station
• Thursday, October 15^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Battle Creek Fire Station
• Friday, October 16^th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Wednesday, October 21^st from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at HMH Community Health Office
• Thursday, October 22^th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Holstein Fire Station

A Medicare card or Medicare Advantage Plan card is required.   There will be a charge for private pay.  If you are home-bound and would like to receive the flu shot, please call Horn Memorial Community Health at 364-7311.

Getting an annual flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

The flu is different from a cold.  Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.  The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and though more common in children than adults, vomiting and diarrhea. 

People with flu can spread it to others up to about six feet away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose.  To avoid this, people should stay away from sick people and stay home if sick.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual vaccination for all people ages 6 months and older who do not have a contraindication to the vaccine.  While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness.  Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

2020 Membership Drive Raises $17,170

Horn Memorial raised $17,170 from the 2020 Membership Drive.  As earmarked, these funds were used to purchase 16 new mattresses for our Inpatient beds.  These mattresses provide our patients the comfort they need to rest and heal.  In following our vision, to have highly satisfied patients, updates such as replacing mattresses is vital for us to continue to offer comfort and care with a personal touch. Thank you to our community for your continued support. 

Present in the photo from left:  Kim Schreiber, RN, House Supervisor; Amy Miller, RN, Inpatient Director, and Jill Wingert, Health Unit Coordinator

 

Ground Breaking for Horn Physicians Clinic - Holstein

 

Horn Memorial Hospital broke ground on the new Horn Physicians Clinic – Holstein on Tuesday, September 1st!  Glen Winekauf, CEO shared that he is pleased to see this project get underway after a slight delay when Covid hit.  The goal for project completion is Spring 2021. 

Present in the photo from left: Kathy Breyfogle, Shelly Else, Theresa Pudenz, Kelli Boyle, Jean Burns, Christina Kjar-Hanson, David Forbes, Glen Winekauf, Cole Boger, Joni Schumann, Michelle Weber, and Keith Robinson