RI Health Department Urges Flu Vaccination

RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Health is strongly encouraging all unvaccinated residents to get their flu shot as soon as possible. So far this year, there has been one flu-related death and 24 related hospitalizations in Rhode Island.

At this time, the disease is considered "regional," which is one tier below "widespread." More than a dozen states including nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut have reported widespread flu activity.

"After getting a flu shot, it usually takes someone roughly two weeks to start developing the antibodies that provide protection against the flu," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the department's director of health. "For people who have not been vaccinated and who plan to get together with family and friends for the holidays, now is the perfect time to get vaccinated. A flu shot can help you avoid serious illness, doctor visits, missed work, or missed school, and it can also help you keep the people you love healthy and safe by reducing the spread of the flu."

During last years flu season, there were 39 deaths and 1,032 hospitalizations associated with the flu in Rhode Island.

Everyone older than six months should be vaccinated each year, the department said, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, healthcare workers and those with chronic medical conditions. Even if you get sick after getting the flu shot, the vaccine will help decrease the severity of the illness.

With that in mind, the department also reminded residents to seek medical care "in the most appropriate setting." Visiting the emergency room with a non-severe case of the flu will likely result in a long wait time, as emergency injuries and illness are prioritized. If you are sick with the flu, visiting an urgent care or primary care provider is often the best choice.

Certain, severe cases should be treated as an emergency, however. Warning signs include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest or flu-like symptoms that go away, then return with a fever and cough. If you're unsure if you should seek emergency care, call your primary care provider.

Norovirus, or the "stomach bug," is also very common this time of year. The highly contagious virus can cause extreme stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours. It spreads when a person is exposed to tiny particles of vomit or feces from an infected person, which can come from eating or drinking contaminated food and beverages, touching contaminated surfaces or if a sick person throws up in a public space.

To avoid the spread of the flu, norovirus and other illnesses this winter, the department encourages taking the following steps:

• Get vaccinated against the flu. By being vaccinated now, you can still get several months of protection.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your elbow. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Wash your hands carefully with soap and water regularly, especially right after using the toilet or changing diapers, taking or giving someone else medicine and before eating or preparing food.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs frequently.
• Stay out of work or school if you are sick. If you become sick with a flu-like illness, you should not go back to work or school until you have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
• If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, stay home until after those symptoms clear completely. Sick workers in restaurants and other food service occupations, schools, child care centers, healthcare facilities, must not return to work for 48 hours after symptoms abate.