Respiratory illnesses – flu, COVID-19 and RSV – are all on the rise this winter, and it’s important for the very young, old and immune-compromised to be careful about exposure to those who are ill. Fortunately, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations…
When Ryan Grosboll, 35, who has Down Syndrome and autism made it back home after a harrowing 77-day fight with COVID-19, it was the Memorial Home Care team who partnered closely with his family that helped finalize his return to…
There are new weapons in the fight to protect yourself against COVID-19. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization to a new pair of COVID-19 booster shots designed to help protect people from the most prevalent subvariants of the…
September is National Food Safety Education Month. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the United States each year. At Memorial Health, our five hospitals follow the FDA Food…
Students return to school this month, and COVID-19 may top parent’s concern list right up there with stomach bugs, influenza and common colds. Anna Richie, MD, clinical director for urgent care at Memorial Health, encourages parents to talk with their…
This summer, Dave McKee, 73, is grateful to be back volunteering on projects at the blacksmith shop at the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds. The Carlinville resident was transferred to Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH) with worsening COVID-19 on Jan. 30,…
Cristina Greenwell, RN, remembers Jerry and Barbara Quimby well. Throughout December 2021, she was often assigned to care for each of them on the COVID-19 unit at Decatur Memorial Hospital (DMH). “I remember how much Jerry cared about his wife…
Summer travel season is here, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people test for COVID-19 before they travel. This includes those who are fully vaccinated and those who haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccine. If you take an at-home COVID-19 test,…
While everyone is anxious to resume a more normal holiday season this year, COVID-19 numbers continue to increase in our communities. As we enter a season of holiday parties and gatherings, consider these tips on how to celebrate safely with…
Antibiotics treat certain infections caused by bacteria and work as a critical tool in treating life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, which is the body’s extreme response to infection. “When your healthcare provider prescribes antibiotics, take them as directed…