Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: February 13, 2008

Peak Flu Season Hits Rhode Island
HEALTH Urges Rhode Islanders to Get Vaccinated

HEALTH announces that peak flu season has officially hit Rhode Island. Multiple surveillance sources indicate that Rhode Island is reaching peak transmission levels, and HEALTH has reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that flu activity in the state is now “widespread”.

CDC has also announced that several strains of flu virus circulating this year are not covered by this year’s vaccine, however, that is not a reason to forgo a flu shot. The flu vaccine contains three influenza virus strains. Antibodies made in response to vaccination with these strains of influenza viruses can provide some protection against different, but related strains. “There is still flu vaccine available for adults and children in Rhode Island and it is not too late to get vaccinated,” said Director of Health, David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “While the vaccine may not be 100% effective at preventing all strains of influenza circulating this year, it can still protect many people. Getting vaccinated could mean the difference between getting mildly sick and having serious flu-related complications. And for older or immuno-compromised people, the vaccine can save their lives.” 

HEALTH urges people who have not yet received a flu shot this year to get vaccinated. Vaccination now can still provide protection, as influenza viruses can circulate as late as May. In addition, people should take the following everyday preventive steps to provide added protection against the flu:

• Wash your hands (and your kids’ hands) often with soap and warm water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your arm—not your hands.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• If you or your children are sick, stay home from work, school, childcare and errands.
• Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Antiviral drugs are an important second line of defense against flu and they can be used to treat or prevent influenza infection.

By getting vaccinated and following these prevention tips, people greatly decrease their chances of getting sick.

For information about where to get vaccinated, contact your health care provider first to see if he or she has vaccine. If not, you can call the HEALTH Information Line at 1-800-942-7434 to find the provider closest to you.