Most Common Questions |
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Alcohol and Drugs |
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West Nile Virus |
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Smallpox |
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Meningitis |
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Hepatitis B |
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Hepatitis C |
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HIV/AIDS |
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Alcohol and Drugs |
How do I know if there are alcohol and drug-free events in my area? |
Fresno County Human Services System-Substance Abuse Unit contracts with outside agencies to provide prevention services to the community. Every month, the contracted substance abuse agencies provide a list of different activities throughout the county. See the Fresno County Activity Calendar for more information on alcohol and drug-free events. |
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Who do I contact for alcohol and drug prevention services in my area? |
You may contact the Coordinators of the Contracted Substance Abuse Prevention Programs. See Contracted Substance Abuse Programs for information about this. |
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Who can I contact for more information in alcohol and other drug information? |
You may call the Fresno County Human Services System-Substance Abuse Unit at (559) 453-4773, Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
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Are there any websites that give advice on how I can talk to my child about drugs? |
Now in these days, you will be able to find lots of websites that talk about how you can talk and advice your children about drugs. Here are only few samples of what is there. See Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Related Web sites in English and Spanish. |
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Where can I find websites that give information on alcohol and other drugs? |
See Alcohol and Other Related Drugs (AOD) Related Web sites that you can access to obtain more information about specific drugs. |
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Where can I call to request basic information on substance abuse prevention? |
You may contact the Fresno County Human Services System-Substance Abuse Unit at (559) 453-4773 to request pamphlets, brochures and other basic information about drugs. |
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WEST NILE VIRUS |
What is West Nile Virus? |
West Nile Virus is a virus that is spread by mosquitoes. The virus is transmitted when mosquitoes feed on an infected bird. Infected mosquitoes can then transmit West Nile Virus when biting a human. |
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There is a dead bird in my yard. Can I pick it up and should someone come out and pick it up for testing? |
If you wear gloves and put it in a plastic bag, seal the bag, and then wash your hands, it should be safe to pick up the bird. It is generally not transmitted from the bird directly to a human. Place the bird outside in a cool spot and call the Health Department. The bird must be tested within 24 hours of its death, so if it is a weekend or the bird is stiff, it will not be picked up and you may place the bird in the plastic bag in the trash. |
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SMALLPOX |
When will the Smallpox vaccine be available to the public? |
It is estimated that the vaccine will be available to the public possibly sometime in 2004 when a new, safer vaccine should be available |
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If previously vaccinated against Smallpox, should I be vaccinated again? |
Immunity appears to last about 5-10 years. If you were vaccinated long ago, you will need another vaccination. |
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MENINGITIS |
What is Bacterial Meningitis and how is it spread? |
Inflammation of the lining of the brain and spine caused by a bacterial infection. It is spread by direct contact with saliva and droplets from nose and mouth such as kissing, drinking from a glass the infected person has used, coughing, sneezing, and sharing cigarettes. |
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What are the signs and symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis? |
Sudden onset of fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck and sometimes a rash. Disease progresses rapidly and patient is very sick. |
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HEPATITIS B |
What is Hepatitis B and how is it spread? |
All Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by a virus which is spread by either sexual contact or blood to blood contact |
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What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B |
Loss of appetite, vague abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, occasionally fever. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that the person does not know he/she has hepatitis. |
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Who is at risk for Hepatitis? |
Anyone who has unprotected sexual contact or possible blood to blood exposure. |
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What are the prevention measures? |
Getting vaccinated for Hepatitis B, using condoms, not sharing needles for injecting drugs, body piercing, or tattoo equipment. |
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HEPATITIS C |
What is Hepatitis C and how is it spread? |
All Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus which is spread by blood to blood contact and rarely by sexual contact |
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What are the symptoms of Hepatitis C? |
Loss of appetite, vague abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, occasionally fever. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that the person does not know he/she has hepatitis. |
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Who is at risk for Hepatitis C? |
Anyone who has possible blood to blood exposure. IV drug users are at highest risk. |
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What is the prevention measures for Hepatitis C? |
Not sharing needles for injecting drugs, body piercing, or tattoo equipment. Use condoms for sexual activity. |
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HIV/AIDS |
How is HIV transmitted? |
Most commonly by sexual contact or blood to blood contact. You cannot get HIV from hugging, touching or handling objects someone has used. |
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What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? |
AIDS is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) when the immune system breaks down and allows diseases that wouldn't normally cause illness to infect the person. When someone with HIV has one of those diseases we say that they have AIDS. |
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What are the symptoms of HIV? |
Often none. You can have HIV infection and not know it. It can take 8-10 years before the immune system is so badly damaged that the diseases of AIDS cause symptoms. Those symptoms will vary depending on the disease. |
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Who is at risk for HIV? |
Anyone who has possible blood to blood exposure or has sexual contact without using protection. IV drug users and persons with multiple partners are at highest risk. |
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What is the prevention measures for HIV? |
Not sharing needles or tattoo equipment. Use condoms for sexual activity. Know your sexual partner and practice safer sex. There is no vaccine for HIV. If you suspect you may have been exposed, get an HIV test. |
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