Community Corner
Flu Widespread in Rhode Island, Vaccine "Bad Match" for the Virus
The severity of flu season this year prompts one Rhode Island Bishop to consider making changes to mass.
Going out in public? Keep your hand sanitizer with you and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Flu season is particularly nasty this year.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports 43 states are experiencing high or widespread cases of the flu.
The Rhode Island Department of Health declared the flu widespread in the state on Dec. 30 and again on Jan. 5. The flu is considered widespread if the virus outbreaks in least half of the state’s regions.
Find out what's happening in Tiverton-Little Comptonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Flu symptoms are so severe in Rhode Island this year, they’ve prompted a catholic Bishop to recommend changes to mass in order to protect parishoners from the virus. Bishop Thomas Tobin of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence recommended pastors temporarily discontinue the sign of the cross handshake and passing the chalice during communion among other suggestions, according to The Providence Journal.
These changes are not mandatory and will only be in effect during flu season.
Find out what's happening in Tiverton-Little Comptonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The CDC expects we’re about halfway through this flu season.
Not even those who made their way to health clinics for their yearly flu shot can feel safe from the virus this year. The CDC reports this year’s vaccination is a bad match for the strain. Though it will protect against certain strains of the influenza virus, the vaccine will not be completely effective against the strain making rounds this season.
Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves against the flu, following simple tips like covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze and washing your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds.
>>Also Read: Two Most Important Ways to Prevent Colds and Flu This Winter
For those already hospitalized or at high risk for complications from the flu, the CDC encourages doctors to prescribe antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu. CDC research indicates doctors currently prescribe antiviral medication to one out of five patients at high risk for flu complications.
That number is way too low, the CDC said, as all patients at risk for complications from the flu should be getting antiviral medication.
image via shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
