Friday, January 18, 2013
HEALTH reports high flu activity in Rhode Island, and the vaccination demand is causing sporadic shortages.
- GOVERNMENT
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Friday, January 18
The CDC reports an elevated number of flu cases in the U.S., with the Rhode Island Department of Health reporting widespread flu. HEALTH has listed a number of other public health clinics throughout the state. 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 available at some clinics. Locally, a clinic is being held at the Pier School on Monday – click here for more info. Outside of government clinics, demand for vaccinations is creating sporadic shortages. "Due to high demand caused by the outbreaks of influenza across the country, some of our …
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.
- GOVERNMENT
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Wednesday, January 16
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. …
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.
- GOVERNMENT
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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 …
Friday, December 14, 2012
Here's where to get a flu shot, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
- BUSINESS
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Friday, December 14, 2012
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, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here is where you can go locally: 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 …
Friday, December 7, 2012
Surgical masks now required for all unimmunized healthcare workers.
- THE NEIGHBORHOOD FILES
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Friday, December 7, 2012
The following was provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health Michael Fine, MD, director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), has issued a Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence Statewide. This declaration triggers Rhode Island’s new regulations requiring all healthcare workers who have not been immunized against influenza to wear a surgical mask during all times of direct patient contact. “Flu is here in Rhode Island, and all signs indicate that this flu season is expected to be more severe than those in recent past,” said Dr. Fine. “We encourage all Rhode Islanders to protect themselves and those around them by being immunized against influenza. Our healthcare workers have an obligation to protect those they care for…
