Blue Ridge Health District - BRHD

12/19/2025

This time of year, there's usually a few different respiratory illnesses moving through our communities. It can be easy to get them mixed up, so let's review the different symptom profiles of our more common culprits! 🔎📋

To learn more about respiratory illnesses and prevention strategies, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia/ 🔗

12/19/2025

En esta época del año, por lo general, hay algunas enfermedades respiratorias diferentes en nuestras comunidades. ¡Puede ser fácil confundirlas, así que revisemos los diferentes perfiles de síntomas de nuestros culpables más comunes! 🔎📋

Para obtener más información sobre las enfermedades respiratorias y las estrategias de prevención, visite https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/epidemiology/respiratory-diseases-in-virginia/ 🔗

12/19/2025

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the only way to protect yourself against measles while traveling. Talk to your doctor and plan to be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before your trip.

Learn more at https://www.cdc.gov/measles/travel/index.html

12/18/2025

VDH is investigating a potential measles exposure in the Central and Southwest Regions of Virginia. We encourage individuals in those areas to check the locations of potential exposure sites and to learn more about what to do in case of a measles exposure at: https://ow.ly/yopK50XLaQZ

12/17/2025

With the exception of WIC clinics at the Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department, all BRHD offices will open late at 1:30 PM on Friday, December 19.

We will resume normal operating hours the following Monday, December 22 at 8 AM.

12/17/2025

Age and certain conditions can make the body less effective at regulating its temperature 🥶

This means some groups are affected by cold more than others, including:
👶 Newborns
👵 Elderly
🧑‍🦼 Those with chronic illness(es)
🧑‍🌾 Outdoor workers
⛺️ Unhoused folks

Make a plan for checking on your neighbors and loved ones before temperatures start to drop 🌡

For more info about emergency planning and preparedness, visit https://www.ready.gov/plan 📋

12/13/2025

Food recalls happen when a product is taken off the market because there's reason to believe it could make people sick 🤢

Use these four helpful steps from FoodSafety.gov to learn what to do if you buy or eat recalled food:

1. Don't panic ❌😱
2. Don't eat the recalled food ❌🍴
3. Don't open the food ❌🍌
4. Check the recall notice 🔎📑

To learn more about food recalls, visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks 🔗

12/11/2025

Many of us plan on traveling for the holidays 🚗 Don't let bad weather sneak up on you! Before you hit the road, familiarize yourself with the following "sneaky" winter hazards that could delay or impact your trip ❄️

To learn how to winterize your vehicle and what to pack in a car emergency kit, visit https://youtu.be/hcwl_bnID50📺

12/10/2025

Found yourself on the naughty list this year? Give yourself the gift of free STI testing! 🎁

📍 Charlottesville/Albemarle Health Department via Door #1 (1138 Rose Hill Dr., Charlottesville)
📆 Tuesday, December 16
⏰ 4:30 to 6 PM (or whenever capacity is reached)

Questions? Call 434-972-6269 📲

12/09/2025

Are you familiar with pertussis, also known as whooping cough? 😪

Often mistaken for the common cold, pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness. In children, it's often characterized by a unique sounding cough that features a "whooping" noise (listen to the audio below 🔊).

If your child has a similar sounding cough, schedule an appointment with their pediatrician. It's worth noting that this cough won't present in adults, only children. Adults concerned about pertussis should talk to their healthcare provider about testing and treatment.

To learn more about pertussis, visit https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html🔗

Pertussis is a serious contagious disease caused by a bacterium. It can produce a whooping cough. It is most severe and extremely dangerous in young infants...

12/09/2025

🚨 Tuesday, December 9 🚨

Due to inclement weather, all BRHD offices will open late today as follows:

- Cville/Albemarle Health Dept opens at 10:00am
- Fluvanna Health Dept opens at 11:00am
- Greene Health Dept opens at 10:00am
- Louisa Health Dept opens at 10:30am
- Nelson Health Dept opens at 10:30am

**These building delays are as of 7:45 AM on 12/9. We will update should anything change.

Stay safe! ❄️❄️❄️

12/08/2025

Haven't been vaccinated against the flu yet? It's not too late ⏳ December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and there's no better time to protect yourself!

Especially if you have chronic health conditions that make you more vulnerable - including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and kidney disease - a flu shot can prevent serious complications like hospitalization or even death.

The flu isn't a game - don't let it stop you 👾 Talk to your P*P, visit a nearby pharmacy, or call your local health department to make your appointment today!

Influenza (flu) is a contagious, vaccine-preventable disease that can result in serious complications for individuals living with chronic health conditions s...