Flu Bug Can Be Deadly: Top Doctor Says

PROVIDENCE, RI — Last year, 1,216 Rhode Islanders came down with flu severe enough to go to the hospital, according to the state health department. And 33 patients died. The state's top doctor, Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, wants everyone to know the flu is a serious illness and can be deadly. She launched Rhode Island’s annual flu immunization campaign today at the Rhode Island Department of Health by sticking some reporters and lawmakers with a needle.

“A flu shot is the single best way to protect yourself and the ones you love against the flu," she said. "When you get a flu shot you are not only protecting yourself, you are also protecting the people in your life by limiting the spread of the flu. This is especially important if you spend time with younger children or the elderly, who are more susceptible to the effects of the flu. Even if you don’t have health insurance or can’t afford a flu shot, there are places in Rhode Island where you can get vaccinated for free. There will be more than 100 public flu clinics at schools across the state, starting next week."

Approximately 455,000 Rhode Islanders were vaccinated last year. This was the second highest rate in the nation. Nonetheless, then health department wants to do better for the 2017-2018 flu season. Flu shots are especially important for the elderly, healthcare workers, younger children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and asthma.

She also stressed the shot is safe and cannot give anyone the flu.

More information about the flu and flu vaccine is available online at:

• List of clinics and general information about the flu: health.ri.gov/flu
• Information about the flu in Spanish: health.ri.gov/gripe

People with additional questions can call 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711.

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