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…
It’s a triple threat this fall with flu, COVID-19 and RSV all potential health risks, especially for the very young, old and immune-compromised. The good news is that flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are updated, and there is a new RSV…
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…
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…
Hannah Bond, RN, has learned from 18 months experience to look for the positives as she continues to care for seriously ill COVID-19 patients. “I had experienced death and sickness before COVID-19, but nothing prepared me for the helplessness I…
If you’ve ever been prescribed an antibiotic for an infection, you know how effective these medications can be. But they don’t work for every illness—including COVID-19. “Patients with COVID-19 sometimes ask us to prescribe antibiotics because they believe this will…
Kids across the area are heading back to the classroom. Wearing masks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks that could shut down schools and put students and staff at risk. In this Q&A, Memorial…
If you’ve recovered from COVID-19 in the past, you may be wondering if it’s really necessary to get vaccinated. Compelling new research suggests the answer is “yes.” While being sick with COVID-19 creates antibodies that protect against future illness, it’s…
Family nurse practitioner Gina White, DNP, had concerns when the COVID-19 vaccine was released under Emergency Authorization. But when evidence showed the Delta variant was targeting children and sparking rapid respiratory decline, she and her husband made the decision to…