Flu No Longer Considered Widespread In Rhode Island

The flu is no longer considered widespread in Rhode Island, the department of health announced Thursday afternoon. As a result, unvaccinated healthcare workers are no longer required to wear surgical masks when in contact with patients. While the flu is no longer widespread, healthcare officials said the potentially deadly virus is still present in the state.

"Although the flu is no longer widespread in Rhode Island, it is still present in the state. Anyone who has not been vaccinated yet should be vaccinated as soon as possible," said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH. "When you get a flu shot, you are not just protecting yourself. You are also protecting the ones you love by preventing the spread of the flu. Year in and year out, flu vaccine is your best protection against the flu."

The Department of Health announced that the flu was widespread, the highest of the five-tier categorization system, on January 2. Vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged sox months or older. Healthcare workers, pregnant women, the elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and asthma are especially encouraged to get the vaccine every year.

The virus is spread when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes near a healthy person. Aalong with getting the flu vaccine, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to take the following precautions.

• Wash hands frequently throughout the day using soap and warm water, or use alochol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow instead of hands. Always cover cough and sneezes to prevent the spread of illness.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
• Wipe down household surfaces, especially bathrooms, bedside tables and children's toys, frequently with a disinfectant cleaner.