Red Cross Offers Tips for Preventing Flu in Kids

Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.

The following release is from the Red Cross. Health officials are reporting widespread influenza outbreaks in 47 of 50 states, up from just a week ago. One age group hit particularly hard is children, and the American Red Cross has some steps parents can teach their kids to help them avoid getting sick. WASHING HANDS Kids have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses. Parents should teach children proper hand washing techniques and how to correctly cover coughs or sneezes. Wash hands withsoap and warm water. When using soap and water: If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: SAFETY STEPS The most important thing parents can do is get children six months of age or oldera flu vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. …

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Letters To The Editor

HEALTH: Flu-Like Illness at Wakefield Elementary

The Rhode Island Department of Health is monitoring a cluster of flu-like illness in Wakefield as Rhode Island enters the peak flu season.

The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) is closely monitoring classroom clusters of flu-like illness at Wakefield Elementary School as Rhode Island officially enters peak flu season. HEALTH’s laboratory has confirmed some illnesses were caused by the influenza Type A virus, which is among the preventable flu strains in this year’s seasonal flu vaccination. The school has experienced a high rate of absenteeism since the New Year and HEALTH is working directly with school administrators to limit the spread of flu and to make sure students receive appropriate medical care. “The situation at Wakefield Elementary School underscores the importance of flu vaccination,” said Director of Health, Michael Fine, MD. “Flu activity peaks in Rhode…

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