Michelle Mathews

"Individuals 25 years and younger are at a much higher risk than other age groups that's the most prevalent population we find sexually transmitted diseases in," said Michelle Mathews, communicable disease coordinator for the Coles County Health Department.

Michelle Mathews, R.N.

Contact: Michelle Mathews, RN(217) 348-0530Fax: (217) 348-5321

"It seems like every year there's some new challenge," said Michelle Mathews, communicable disease investigator for the Coles County Health Department."We don't want people to panic.We'll keep people posted."

Last year, the Coles County Health Department vaccinated 4,000 people.

Mathews said October and November are the optimal times for flu shots.

"The flu season peaks in February, and it takes about three months for the vaccine to be at its optimum strength," she said.
...
But Mathews said the health department never refuses a child, despite a family's inability to pay.

Coles County Health Department nurse Michelle Mathews gives health department communicable diseases coordinator Judy Booher her flu shot Tuesday afternoon at the health department clinic on 18th Street in Charleston.

And the Coles County Public Health Department has "plenty of it," according to Michelle Mathews, communicable diseases coordinator.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention restricted flu shots through November and December, thanks to a severe nationwide shortage of the vaccine.

Mathews said the health department has met the demand of those at high risk from flu complications.

"Individuals 25 years and younger are at a much higher risk than other age groups - that's the most prevalent population we find sexually transmitted diseases in," said Michelle Mathews, communicable disease coordinator for the Coles County Health Department.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated the number of new STI cases each year climbed from about 15 million to 19 million over the last decade. (The acronym "STI" has replaced the less-descriptive term "STD.")

Of these patients, about 50 percent were ages 15 to 24, said the CDC.

In Coles County, the rate of chlamydia cases is declining, while gonorrhea instances are on the rise, according to Mathews.

"It's a huge, tedious process," said Michelle Mathews, communicable disease coordinator for the Coles County Health Department in Charleston.
...
And some lice are developing a resistance to these medications, Mathews said. "But for most people, treatments work just fine," she said.