patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Flu

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Red Cross Offers Tips for Preventing Flu in Kids

Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.

The following information is from the Red Cross:  Health officials are reporting widespread influenza outbreaks in 47 of 50 states, up from just a week ago. In Massachusetts, Boston declared a public health emergency. (Where to get a flu shot in Stoneham.) 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 …

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Stoneham Has 26 Confirmed Flu Cases So Far This Season

It's not too late to get vaccinated.

Stoneham has 26 confirmed cases of the flu so far this season, the town's public health nurse, Peg Drummey, wrote in an email to Stoneham Patch on Tuesday. This flu season started in early December, but Drummey said, "Flu peaks in March and I am recommending those who have not received their flu shot to go to their local pharmacy." According to the CDC, there is still time to get a flu shot. Most pharmacies in Stoneham have flu shots available (locations). There are no future town flu clinics planned for the rest of the season, Drummey said, but the Stoneham Board of Health held four flu clinics in October and 500 residents were vaccinated. Drummey and volunteers also visited three private schools and six public schools in Stoneham, …

Stoneham, Other Catholic Churches Take Precaution Against Flu

The Archdiocese of Boston is taking steps to stop the spread of the flu.

Parishioners at St. Patrick's in Stoneham and other local Catholic churches may notice something different on Sunday. The Archdiocese of Boston announced this week that it is allowing priests to suspend the distribution of wine during Communion as a precaution because of the recent flu outbreak, reported The Boston Globe. Churches were also notified that parishioners could exchange a sign of peace by “bowing to nearby parishioners instead of shaking hands,” reported The Globe. Earlier this week, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared a state of health emergency because of the flu outbreak and some nearby communities have also ran out of flu vaccine. Here’s information about where to get your flu shot in Stoneham and more information about the…

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Flu Cases 'Widespread,' Says Red Cross

Boston declared a public health emergency on Wednesday and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 18 flu-related deaths so far this season.

The Red Cross says there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from what is considered to be a more active flu season.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts. Boston Mayor Tom Menino declared a public health emergency on Wednesday, boston.com reported, at the city has 700 confirmed cases of flu so far and four flu-related deaths. The state Department of Public Health reported 18 flu-related deaths so far this season. How do you prevent the flu? If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in and near Stoneham that offer the flu vaccine. According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How…

Go Spartans

12:35 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013

Thank you Daniel for the article! Then maybe the 50 degree weather will help rid of it?   more ›

Monday, December 10, 2012

CDC: Get a Flu Shot This Year

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week and this year is shaping up to be one of the worst flu seasons in a while. Did you get your flu shot?

More than one-third of United States residents have already been vaccinated against the influenza virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Monday. With National Influenza Vaccination Week, which started last Sunday and ends Saturday, health officials aim to increase that percentage, especially since this year's season may be a bad one. Influenza—more commonly known as simply "the flu"—is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses infecting the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads via infected people coughing, sneezing or talking, though people can also get infected by touching something with the flu virus on it before touching their mouth, eyes or nose. The 2012-2013 season is shaping up to be one of the worst …

Got a Hot Tip?
 
 

Videos