Flu Season Approaches; Time is Now For Vaccine

Rhode Island, like much of the country, experienced a strong, prolonged flu season last year, beginning in October and lasting through April. Now is the time to prepare for the coming season, the state Health Department advises.

During last season, 831 people were hospitalized in Rhode Island with flu-related symptoms, more than half of whom were over the age of 65according to the Health Department. The season hit early last year and peaked in December, when the flu was deemed to be "widespread."

"Symptoms include fever, chills, headache, dry cough, and aching in the muscles and joints," according to the health department. "Most people recover within a week after they become ill, although they may continue to feel tired for several days."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say people should get flu shots now, when flu activity is low. You can use the Vaccine Finder above to locate flu shots near you. You local pharmacy also provides the shots, often for free.
And Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Rhode Island is offering free flu clinics in November. The schedule includes:

Middletown

• Nov. 7, 4-7 p.m., Lucy's Hearth, 913 West Maine Road

• Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jonnycake Center Inc, 1231 Kingstown Road.  

• Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Family Resources Community Action, 245 Main St. 

• Nov. 5, 9a.m.-noon, Crossroads RI, 160 Broad St. 
• Nov. 5, 8-11 a.m., McCauley Village, 325 Niagra St.
• Nov. 6, 5-8p.m., Scalabrini Dukcevich Center, 300 Laurel Hill Ave.
• Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., African Alliance, 570 Broad St.
• Nov. 29, TBD, Clinica Esperanza, 60 Valley St.
• Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., United Way, 50 Valley St.

• Nov. 20, 10a.m.-1 p.m., Salvation Army of Pawtucket, 102 High St.

• Who should get vaccinated
• When to get vaccinated
• Selecting a flu vaccine
• Symptoms, complications and severity
• Treatment if you get the flu
• How the flu spreads