"The Talk of the Town" - Pequannock Health Dept Newsletter 2024 Winter Edition

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This is the Winter 2024 edition of "The Talk of the Town" newsletter from the Pequannock Health Department. The newsletter provides information and updates on various health topics, including COVID-19, flu, RSV, and Parvovirus B19. It also highlights community events and resources, such as rabies clinics, skin cancer screenings, food pantries, and mental health services. Contact information for various health-related inquiries and resources is provided.

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--- Document: "The Talk of the Town" - Pequannock Health Dept Newsletter 2024 Winter Edition Document ---
The Talk of the Town
STAY AHEAD OF THE SPREAD
COVID-19
Two is a company, but three is a party! COVID-19 is
 tagging  along  with  flu  and  RSV  and  bringing  th
e cases to the fourth quarter festivities. Although we 
no longer are shut down, you may have to shut in if 
you c ome d own w ith COVID- 19. Sympt oms can 
vary wi dely  but comm only inc lude fe ver, co ugh, 
runny nose, body aches, and notably, loss of taste and 
sme ll. I n some cases, children may experience milder symptoms and have better outcomes than adults. However, caution is essential, as the virus can still pose risks to those with underlying health conditions. While contracting the flu or RSV does not increase susceptibility to COVID-19, exposure to any virus can lead to complications. Staying proactive with the most up to date vaccinations, eating right, getting enough exercise and monitoring symptoms is key to protecting yourself and others. If you do think you may have any illnesses, testing is the most reliable way to differentiate between COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. Luckily, for New Jersey residents, you can receive free COVID-19 tests by going online: https://www.covid.gov/tests. Along with testing, any questions or concerns about your personal health should be discussed with a healthcare provider and if you are in need of a healthcare provider you can find one easily by going to https://findadoctor.atlantichealth.org. 
Two is a company, but three is a party! COVID-19 is 
tagging al ong  with flu  and R SV an d bringin g the 
cases to the fourth quarter festivities. Although we 
no longer are shut down, you may have to shut in if y
ou c
ome dow
n w
ith CO
VID-19. Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, and notably, loss of taste and smell. In some cases, children may experience milder symptoms and have better outcomes than adults. However, caution is essential, as the virus can still pose risks to those with underlying health conditions. While contracting the flu or RSV does not increase susceptibility to COVID-19, exposure to any virus can lead to complications. Staying proactive with the most up to date vaccinations, eating right, getting enough exercise and monitoring symptoms is key to protecting yourself and others. If you do think you may have any illnesses, testing is the most reliable way to differentiate between COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. Luckily, for New Jersey residents, you can receive free COVID-19 tests by going online: https://www.covid.gov/tests. Along with testing, any questions or concerns about your personal health should be discussed with a healthcare provider and if you are in need of a healthcare provider you can find one easily by going to https://findadoctor.atlantichealth.org. 
Two is a company, but three is a party! COVID-19 is tagging along with flu and RSV and bringing the cases to the fourth quarter festivities. Although we no longer are shut down, you may have to shut in if you come down with COVID-19. Symptoms can vary widely but commonly include fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, and notably, loss of taste and smell. In some cases, children may experience milder symptoms and have better outcomes than adults. However, caution is essential, as the virus can still pose risks to those with underlying health conditions. While contracting the flu or RSV does not increase susceptibility to COVID-19, exposure to any virus can lead to complications. Staying proactive with the most up to date vaccinations, eating right, getting enough exercise and monitoring symptoms is key to protecting yourself and others. If you do think you may have any illnesses, testing is the most reliable way to differentiate between COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. Luckily, for New Jersey residents, you can receive free COVID-19 tests by going online: https://www.covid.gov/tests. Along with testing, any questions or concerns about your personal health should be discussed with a healthcare provider and if you are in need of a healthcare provider you can find one easily by going to https://findadoctor.atlantichealth.org. 
FLU & RSV
Whether you’re feeling under the weather from flu
 or RSV, remember that it shall pass-achoo! The flu, more formally known as influenza, is caused by the influenza virus which tends to be seasonal. This virus is notorious for the rapid onset of symptoms, which can appear from what feels like out of no where. These symptoms typically include chills, fever, muscle aches, upset stomach and more. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, stay home if possible because your laugh isn’t the only thing that’s contagious anymore.  Most people are able to recover from the flu within one to two weeks, but it can lead to more severe complications, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and elderly individuals. One way to prevent going viral for the wrong reasons is by getting an annual flu shot and maintaining your overall health. 
The other seasonal illness that can take your
 breath  away  is  respiratory  syncytial  virus  (RSV)
. Unlike the flu, RSV tends to take its sweet time 
in presenti
ng itse
lf throu
gh symptom
s. M
ost common ly, RSV can disgu ise its elf  a s a c ol
d or even COVID -19, with symp toms suc h as a 
runny nose, c ough , and some times f ever. Whi
le RSV generally causes mild illness in adults, it c
an pose serious risks for infants and the elderly. Inf
ant s ar e at the  high est ris k due to their  smalle
r airways  all owin g f or RS V t o lea d to m
ore severe r
espirato
ry is
sue
s, such as
 p
neumonia or bronchiolitis. 
If you suspect any of these illnesses, consulting a
 healthcare
 provider
 is
 crucial.
 Therefore
, understandin
g thes
e difference
s an
d taki
ng appropria te preventi ve actio ns is k ey to stay
ing healthy this quarter! 
1,2,3
2,3,4
Brought to you by the Pequannock Township Health Department
Serving Bloomingdale, the Town of Boonton, Florham Park, Kinnelon, Pequannock and Riverdale


GINGERBREAD HOUSE
DECORATING
COUNTRY LINE DANCING &
INSTRUCTION IN BOONTON
Thursday, November 7th 
6:00pm-9:00pm
Kinnelon Public Library
132 Kinnelon Rd.
One gingerbread house per family
HIGHLIGHTS OF HAPPENINGS
HEALTHY RECIPES FOR RECIPIENTS 
4 1/2 lbs tomatoes (4 lbs quartered, 1/2 lb chopped) 
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 
1 clove garlic, finely minced 
4 scallions chopped
1 1/2 tbsp heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
1 /2 cup mini pasta (ditalini)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
4 slices multigrain bread 
Chopped fresh basil, for serving
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
Put the quartered tomatoes in a blender and blend until smooth 
1.
Heat 1 ½ tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add garlic and 1/2 of the
 scallions and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Increase heat to medium high; strain the puree
d tomatoes through a mesh sieve into the pot. Stir in chopped tomatoes, 1 cup water, t
he crea m, 1 /2 t sp sa lt a nd 1 /4 t sp peppe r. Bri ng to  a simm er a nd co ok unt il thicken
ed, about 5 minutes. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 10 minutes, season with 
salt and pepper. 
2.
Toss remaining scallions with the cheeses; divide mixture between 2 of the bread slices.
 Top each with remaining cheese mixture and bread. 
3.
Heat remaining 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Cook
 the sandwiches until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes per side. Ladle the soup into 
bowls; top with basil and serve with the sandwiches.
4.
LOCALS HELPING LOCALS
HALLOWEEN DOG PARADE
& COSTUME CONTEST
Hosted by the Florham Park Rotary at 
the Florham Park Gazebo & Great Lawn
Saturday, October 19th
10:00am-3:00pm
Find out more at www.florhamparkrotary.orgwww.florhamparkrotary.org
FRESH TOMATO SOUP WITH GRILLED CHEESE
RABIES CLINICS
Rabies clinics are available in Morris County
 throughout  2024  and  are  available  at  no 
cost to NJ residents.
SKIN CANCER SCREENING
Bloomingdale Fireman’s Hall
97 Hamburg Turnpike, 
Bloomingdale NJ 
October 9th, 9:00am-1:00pm
CHC CLINICS
This program offers well child care and free
 federally funded vaccines to children for th
e communitie s whic h w e serve . Fo r mo
re informati on a nd dat es of t he Chi ld Hea
lth Conference, please contact the Pequan
nock Public Health Nurses at 973-835-5700 X 109 
or 135.
Go to the link below for more information:
https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Residents/Public-Safety/Rabies-Clinics
/Public-Safety/Rabies-Clinics
Located at the Bloomindale United Methodist Church in Bloomingdale
BLOOMINDALE FOOD PANTRY
Contact the Church Office at (973) 838-5140 or email bumc65@aol.com
https://bloomingdaleumc.org/
THE TOWN OF BOONTON FOOD PANTRY
Located in Boonton Town Hall, Second Floor, Near the Health and Construction Departments
Contact Lucille Rockis at (973) 402-9410 ext. 634
https://www.boonton.org/630/Food-Pantries-Financial-Assistance
KINNELON FOOD PANTRY
Located at Church of the Nazarene in Kinnelon
Contact the church at (973) 838-1027
https://www.kinnelonboro.org/cn/webpage.cfm?tpid=8915
PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY
Located in Friendship Hall at the First Reformed Church in Pequannock
Contact the church at (973) 835-1145
https://firstreformedchurch.com/connect/food-pantry-/
RIVERDALE FOOD PANTRY
Located at the Riverdale Community Center in Riverdale
Contact Darinda Norris at (973) 714-7141 or Michael Carelli at media@riverdalenj.govContact Darinda Norris at (973) 714-7141 or Michael Carelli at media@riverdalenj.govmedia@riverdalenj.gov
https://www.riverdalenj.gov/pages/riverdale-food-pantry
FLORHAM PARK FOOD PANTRY
Located at Holy Family Parish in Florham Park
Contact Anne Platoff at 973-822-0430 or Sharon Carr at 973-568-5932
https://holyfamilyfp.org/food-pantry
Saturday, December 14th 11:00am-12:00pm
Sign up for an appointment by
calling (908) 461-9960
LOAVES & FISHES COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
Located at the First Presbyterian Church in Boonton
Contact Marjorie B. Roller at marjorie.roller@lfcfp.org or (862) 222-3006Contact Marjorie B. Roller at marjorie.roller@lfcfp.org or (862) 222-3006
https://www.lfcfp.org/
Held at the Boonton Elks Lodge
$5 Admission for ages 21+
Register at boonton.recdesk.com
Registration begins November 25th 
Register here!


CROSSWORD
ACROSS
DOWN
6. What is going on in Boonton on November 
7th?
9. Where is the fall skin cancer screening 
being held?
10. What age group has the highest risk level 
for RSV?
11. What illness has a slower onset of 
symptoms?
12. If you live here, you can receive free 
COVID-19 tests.
 
1. How many gingerbread houses do each 
family get from the Kinnelon Public Library?
2. What is parvovirus spread through?
3. How often should you get a flu shot?
4. What causes the flu?
5. This town has a halloween dog parade and 
costume contest this quarter.
7. What virus is known as the "stomach bug"?
8. You will need one clove of this to make this 
quarters recipe.
Ready for the answers? Email your Health
Educator, 
Cassidy 
Dock, 
at
CDock@Peqtwp.org to find out!


UPDATES &
RESOURCES
PARVOVIRUS B19
MENTAL HEALTH
COVID-19
Human Parvovirus B19 is on the rise and something to
look out for this quarter. It is a seasonal respiratory
virus spread through droplets from both symptomatic
and 
asymptomatic 
individuals. 
It 
can 
also 
be
transmitted 
during 
pregnancy, 
through 
blood
transfusions, or certain plasma products. Many
infected people are asymptomatic, but those who are
affected can develop a  body rash and experience joint
pain. However, there is no specific vaccine or
treatment. High-risk individuals should wear masks and
practice good respiratory hygiene. Call your healthcare
provider if you think you may have it.
NJDOH Dashboard
SOURCES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization
 and
 Respiratory
 Diseases.
 (2024,
 September
 16). About Flu. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html. 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. (2024, September 16). About Flu. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html. 
Dartmouth 
Healt
h. 
(2024, February 2). How Do You Know if You Have COVID-19, Flu, or RSV? https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-covid-19-flu-or-rsv
Dartmouth Health. (2024, February 2). How Do You Know if You Have COVID-19, Flu, or RSV? https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-covid-19-flu-or-rsv
Dartmouth Health. (2024, February 2). How Do You Know if You Have COVID-19, Flu, or RSV? https://www.dartmouth-hitchcock.org/stories/article/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-covid-19-flu-or-
rsv
Wallace, Eunice. (2023, September 19). Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Covid vs. Flu vs. Common Cold vs. RSV: What You Need to Know. https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/covid-vs-flu-vs-common-cold-vs-rsv-what-you-need-know
Wallace, Eunice. (2023, September 19). Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Covid vs. Flu vs. Common Cold vs. RSV: What You Need to Know. https://www.chla.org/blog/advice-experts/covid-vs-flu-vs-common-cold-vs-rsv-what-you-need-know
rsv-what-you-need-know
Centers for Disease Control and Preventio
n. (2024, August 30). About RSV. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/index.html?s_cid=SEM.GA:PAI:RG_AO_GA_TM_A18_RSV-Virus-Brd:respiratory%20syncytial%20virus:SEM00096&utm_id=SEM.GA:PAI:RG_AO_GA_TM_A18_RSV-Virus-Brd:respiratory%20syncytial%20virus:SEM00096&gad_source=1
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, August 30). Abou
t RSV. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/about/index.html?s_cid=SEM.GA:PAI:RG_AO_GA_TM_A18_RSV-Virus-Brd:respiratory%20syncytial%20virus:SEM00096&utm_id=SEM.GA:PAI:RG_AO_GA_TM_A18_RSV-Virus-Brd:respiratory%20syncytial%20virus:SEM00096&gad_source=1
Brd:respiratory%20syncytial%20virus:SEM00096&gad_source=1
CDC Health Alert Network. (2024, August 13). Increase in Human Parvovirus B19 Activity in the United States. https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2024/han00514.asp 
CDC. (
2024, April 24). About Norovirus. https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html#:~:text=Norovirus%20is%20a%20very%20contagious,caused%20by%20the%20influenza%20virus.   
CDC. (2024, April 24). About Norovirus. https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html#:~:text=Norovirus%20is%20a%20very%20contagious,caused%20by%20the%20influenza%20virus.   
CDC. (2024, April 24). About Norovirus. https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html#:~:text=Norovirus%20is%20a%20very%20contagious,caused%20by%20the%20influenza%20virus.   
Statewide and Regional COVID Activity Report and Risk Level by County
Statewide and Regional COVID Activity Report and Risk Level by County
County
Morris County-Based 
Passaic County-Based
Atlantic Health Testing Sites
Atlantic Health Vaccination 
Morris County Human Services
Passaic County Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
 Service Administration 24 Hour Hotline: 
1-800-985-5990
New Jersey Human Services: 1-800-985-
5990
Suicide and Crisis Line: 988 
Available for texts or calls
5
NOROVIRUS
Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus that can
cause vomiting and diarrhea. Often referred to as the
"stomach bug," even though it is not the flu, this virus
causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the
stomach and intestines. Norovirus spreads easily,
especially during colder months when people are more
likely to stay indoors and come into close contact with
each other. To help prevent the spread, practice
proper handwashing and follow other basic hygiene
measures. These simple steps can significantly reduce
the risk of contracting and transmitting this highly
contagious virus.
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