Flu Levels Subsiding, But Vaccines Still Important

The early spike in flu cases may not be the last one, and officials still recommend getting a flu shot.

As influenza illness levels begin to subside across the state, the Rhode Island Department of 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 hospitals. “Our …

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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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Department of Health Urges Rhode Islanders to Get A Flu Shot

Get your flu vaccine now, before you get sick.

It’s easy, it’s safe, and this year, the supply is plentiful. What is it? The seasonal flu vaccine. Today, First Lady Stephanie Chafee and Health Director Michael Fine each rolled up one sleeve to get their annual flu vaccination. “This year, there is absolutely no excuse for any Rhode Islander to go unvaccinated,” Fine said. “Primary care physicians have vaccine. Hospitals have vaccine. Mass vaccinators have vaccine. More than 400 schools around the state are hosting flu clinics. Getting a flu shot every year is the easiest, most effective way to protect you and your family from the flu. You may get a little achy or have a runny nose after a flu shot, but there is absolutely no way to get the flu from a flu vaccination. The flu is serious…

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Blue Cross/Blue Shield Announces Statewide Flu Shot Initiative

Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island is teaming up with local pharmacies to get the word out and provide local participants with annual flu shots.

Three pharmacies in town, Wakefield Prescription Center, CVS and Rite Aid are among 125 sites where members of Blue Cross/Blue Shield can obtain flu shots, the health insurer announced on Sept. 12. In a press release, BCBSRI stated that its goal is to improve on the roughly 50-percent flu shot rate from 2010. “Thanks to this innovative new program, BCBSRI members age nine and older can now walk right into a participating pharmacy in Rhode Island, show their insurance card and get their flu shot at no cost," said Blue Cross Senior V.P. and Chief Medical Officer Gus Manocchia in the statement. "The pharmacy will handle submitting the medical claim." Mark Rittner of Wakefield Prescription Center announced today that the store, located at 580 …

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