Saturday, February 2, 2013
Early spike in flu cases may not be the last one; officials recommend getting a flu shot.
- GOVERNMENT
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Saturday, February 2
As influenza illness levels begin to subside across the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. “Although we saw an early spike in influenza cases this flu season, it is important to note that we could see the number of influenza cases rise again before the flu season officially ends in May,” said Michael Fine, M.D., director of HEALTH, adding that Rhode Island has seen 769 hospitalizations since the department began tracking confirmed influenza cases on Oct. 1, 2012. That number reflects a higher total number of hospitalizations for influenza than initially reported, as HEALTH’s staff has re-evaluated data reported by the state’s …
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Health Department reports high flu activity in RI, vaccination demand causing sporadic shortages.
The CDC reports an elevated number of flu cases in the US, with the RI Department of Health reporting widespread flu, but Cumberland and North Smithfield have vaccination clinics to keep you healthy. North Smithfield is offering a flu clinic today at North Smithfield Middle School, 1850 Providence Pike, from 4 to 7 p.m. for people six months and older. Cumberland is offering a flu clinic Friday at Cumberland High School, 2600 Mendon Road, from 4 to 7 p.m., for people six months and older. There is no cost for any vaccination and health insurance is not a requirement at public clinics. Anyone who is insured should bring his or her insurance card. In addition to flu vaccine, pertussis (whooping cough) and pneumonia vaccine will be …
Sunday, January 13, 2013
As influenza spreads, minimize your risk of getting sick.
Flu shots are in high demand, anecdotes about sick friends and relatives are peppering social media - and there are steps you can take to avoid being one of them. The CDC has provided a list along with yet another bunch of reasons it's a good idea to get a flu shot - they're cool like that: Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the …
Thursday, January 10, 2013
With flu rates higher than normal across the U.S., R.I. Health Director Fine says it's not too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others.
- AWARENESS
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Thursday, January 10
From the office of Michael Fine, M.D., director of the Rhode Island Department of Health: As the flu remains widespread in Rhode Island and continues to send people to doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout the state, unvaccinated Rhode Islanders are urged to get flu shots to protect not only themselves, but also those around them — particularly elderly people and babies under the age of six months. “Flu vaccine helps you and the people in your life stay healthy,” said Fine. “Roughly 40 percent of the state has been vaccinated so far this flu season. For the hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders who still haven’t gotten flu shots, it’s not too late to protect yourself, your family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.” This…
Rob Borkowski
8:59 am on Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thanks, Diana - I had the two closest public clinics listed, but I just added a link to the list of all the public ones in the state. more ›