Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. People get sick from seasonal flu viruses every year. Flu can cause illness ranging from mild to severe and in some cases can lead to hospitalization and even death. Most people who get the flu will have a fever plus a cough or a fever plus a sore throat. Other symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. (more)

What you should do

• Stay up to date on the latest flu news.
• Get your flu vaccine when it becomes available.
• Make sure all of your family members who are older than 6 months of age are vaccinated.
• Take everyday actions to prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu.
• Learn how to treat the flu and when to seek medical care.

What we are doing

School-located flu vaccination clinics will run throughout Rhode Island for all students in the state between kindergarten and 12th grade during the 2011-2012 flu season. School flu vaccination clinics are scheduled to start in late September. School principals and other school administrators will contact parents and guardians early in the school year with more information about specific clinics and with information about which students will need second doses of vaccine.

Parents have the option of bringing their children to school flu vaccination clinics or to their pediatricians or family physicians for flu vaccine. Healthcare providers will continue to receive vaccine throughout the flu season.