NORTH GEORGIA HEALTH DISTRICT

Healthy people, families, and communities.
  • NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by getting screened regularly, starting at age 21!

Click on the name of your county to contact your local Health Department in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens or Whitfield County to find out how you can receive the HPV vaccine or be screened for cervical cancer. 

Screening Tests

The HPV test and the Pap test are screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.

  • The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause cell changes on the cervix.
  • The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.

Screening Options

You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If you’re 30 to 65 years old, you have three options. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.

Cost

  • An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
  • An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
  • A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.

If you’re older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if you have had normal screening test results for several years and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.

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North GA - In Georgia and across the U.S., the number of illnesses brought on by circulating respiratory viruses has increased.

Along with COVID-19, spread of seasonal respiratory diseases Influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) was restricted by prevention practices established during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these viruses got off to an early start in our communities this season now that safety precautions have eased, and health officials are concerned about the impacts of what has been termed a "tripledemic”.

The phrase "tripledemic” refers to the simultaneous rise in FLU, COVID-19, and RSV transmission. The strain on our healthcare system is a particular cause for worry as the medical community struggles to combat the consequences of these infections.

COVID and RSV cases are starting to plateau while influenza cases continue rising. Still, experts worry that we might again see an increase in all three after the recent holiday social gatherings.

In the next months, it will be crucial to take action to protect both ourselves and others from these diseases.

What distinguishes the Flu from COVID-19 and RSV?

All three extremely contagious respiratory illnesses—the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—are brought on by viruses. The flu is brought on by the influenza virus, COVID-19 by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and RSV by the respiratory syncytial virus. It is conceivable for a person to have several viruses active at once.

 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                               
Dec. 31, 2022
 
                                                                                      
 

Georgia Department of Public Health Awarded 
$2,495,831.85 to Support Injury Prevention Efforts

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) was awarded $2,495,831.85 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). The grant funding is used to provide technical assistance and resources to partner agencies statewide, develop community support for motor vehicle safety programs, support data linkages and help evaluate program efforts. 

“This long-standing, unique partnership between highway safety and public health helps promote a safer Georgia,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. “This programmatic support has made a difference for Georgians and continues to save lives and prevent injuries.” 

The funding from GOHS acknowledges the success of programs in Georgia that are essential to protecting public health. 

 

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North G
UPDATE, Dec. 27, at 9AM:

North GA - Due to hazardous winter weather conditions, the Gilmer County Health Department and all public health services in Gilmer County are CLOSED today, Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

This and all updates will be posted to the North Georgia Health District website here and and on our social media pages at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


POSTED, Dec. 26:

North GA - Due to the potential for hazardous winter weather conditions, the North Georgia Health District offices and public health departments and services in Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will DELAY OPENING until 10 AM tomorrow, Tuesday, December 27, 2022.

This and all updates will be posted here on the North Georgia Health District website and on our social media pages at Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.