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 …
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…
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Here's where to get a flu shot in Woonsocket, how to recognize symptoms, and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were much lower in Rhode Island than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. Overall in the state, activity is considered high now compared to this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Woonsocket that offer the vaccine: Check here for more locations in the surrounding area. According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country. Five states — Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee — are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The flu season normally…
Holly
12:27 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
I heard the flu shots are free. I have no health insurance. Where can I go to get a free flu shot? more ›