Garrett’s Law
Garrett’s Law (NC Senate Bill 444) was enacted by the North Carolina legislature in 2004. It mandates that schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal meningitis and influenza and the vaccines that protect against these diseases. The law was expanded in 2007 to mandate that information also be provided about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the vaccines available to protect against HPV.
Influenza:
What is it? Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses and can be easily spread to others. Infection with flu viruses can result in illness ranging from mild to severe and to life-threatening complications.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms include fever/feeling feverish or chills, headache, fatigue (tiredness), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle/body aches. Other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea are much more common in children than adults.
How is it spread? Flu is spread when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air. The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of a person and multiplies.
Vaccine Information: The best way to reduce your risk from seasonal flu and its potentially serious complications is to get a flu vaccine every year. A vaccine against flu is available every year beginning in October, through private physicians as well as the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4800. Also, vaccine locations can be found by using the CDC Flu Vaccine Finder.
Meningococcal Meningitis:
What is it? Meningococcal Meningitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection. It can cause dangerous inflammation in the membranes that cover your brain and spinal cord or a serious blood infection.
What are the symptoms? Symptoms can progress rapidly and may resemble the flu. They can include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness and sensitivity to light. Children with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
How is it spread? The disease is spread from person to person through the air or by contact with saliva, usually through close, personal contact with an infected person. The disease can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or shared items like a drinking glass.
Vaccine Information: A vaccine against the most common types of the disease is available through private physicians as well as the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4800. More information can be found on the CDC’s site Meningococcal Meningitis and Vaccines for Meningitis.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
What is it? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can cause cancers later in life. There are greater than 40 types of HPV that can cause infection and raise the risk of cervical cancer in women. The highest prevalence of HPV infections occurs among adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 25.
What are the symptoms? Some people will develop visible growths or bumps in the genital areas but the virus can live in the body and cause no symptoms, which is why it is so easily spread. Most people who have HPV do not know they are infected.
How is it spread? HPV is spread through close intimate skin-to-skin contact. Both males and females can get it – and pass it on without even realizing it.
Vaccine Information: A vaccine against HPV is available through private physicians as well as the Union County Health Department at 704-296-4800. More information can be found on the CDC’s site about HPV and HPV Vaccine Safety.