Greenwich Public Schools



NEWS RELEASE

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Caroline Calderone Baisley Deborah C. Travers

Director of Health Director of Family Health

Tel [203] 622-7836 Tel [203] 622-7854

January 13, 2011

For Immediate Release

INFLUENZA IS ON THE RISE

Flu seasons are unpredictable. They can begin in the fall, peak in mid-winter and last late into the spring. Currently, there has been increased activity in reported cases of influenza and “fever/flu” symptoms in the state and in the community. At this time influenza activity in the state has been classified as “widespread.” The total number of statewide hospital pneumonia admissions has also increased significantly. “As long as flu season is not over, it is never too late to get vaccinated,” stated Director of Health, Caroline C. Baisley. “It is circulating in Greenwich. If you wait until people around you get ill from the flu, it will probably be too late to protect yourself. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide full protection.”

The flu (influenza) is a contagious disease which affects the lungs and can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia. In fighting influenza viruses, the most important step is to get a flu vaccination, but if you get the flu, prescription drugs may be able to treat your illness. Early treatment of the flu is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and pregnant women since they are at increased risk of serious flu related complications. Finally, applying everyday preventive actions can help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness like the flu.

Flu viruses are thought to spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing or talking to someone who has the flu. Flu viruses may also spread when people touch something with the flu virus on it and then touch their mouth, eyes or nose. People experiencing symptoms of the flu usually have rapid onset of fever, cough and sore throat. Other symptoms such as muscular body aches, headaches, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose and chills may also be present. People infected with the flu may be able to infect others just before (1 day) they develop symptoms and then up to 5 – 7 days after becoming ill. Young children, those who are severely ill and those who have weakened immune systems may be able to infect others for longer periods of time. Flu symptoms can last for many days with most persons recovering within 2 - 7 days.

The following recommendations should be considered for preventing the spread of influenza:

VACCINATION

➢ Contact your local healthcare provider about available flu vaccine

➢ Visit the Department of Health Immunization and Blood Pressure Clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 2:30 and 3:30 PM for available flu vaccine. Persons 9 years and older are eligible. Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. A fee of $30.00 will be charged unless Medicare Part B applies. Cash and checks are taken, but credit cards cannot be accepted. To arrange for a public health nurse visit for a homebound patient or for more information, call 203-622-6495 for more information.

PREVENTION ACTIONS AGAINST THE FLU VIRUSES

▪ Stay home (or keep your child home) when you are sick for at least 24 hours after your fever (100o F and above) is gone, except to seek medical care. Fever should be gone without using fever reducing medications or antiviral drugs.

▪ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough

▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based cleaners (60% alcohol) when water is not available

▪ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

▪ Clean frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant

▪ Avoid close contact with people who are sick

▪ Seek medical care early if you develop flu symptoms.

-----------------------

[pic]

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download