Influenza Declared to be Widespread in Rhode Island
This declaration triggers Rhode Island's regulation requiring all healthcare workers who have not been immunized against the flu to wear surgical masks during direct patient contact. More information on this mask regulation can be found at www.health.ri.gov/flu/for/healthcareworkers
"Healthcare
workers are protecting their patients, who often have other medical
complications, by being vaccinated against the flu or wearing masks when
involved in direct patient contact," said Dr. Fine. "Since
vaccination is the best defense against influenza, it is extremely important
for everyone to get vaccinated now if they have not already done so,"
added Fine.
This year,
throughout the country, CDC has tracked many cases of severe respiratory
illness from the H1N1 virus, which in some instances have led to
hospitalization, and even death, among young and middle-aged adults. Thus far
this season there have been 51 hospitalizations related to the flu in Rhode
Island.
The flu is currently widespread in 25 states, including Massachusetts
and Connecticut.
HEALTH determines
the level of influenza in the state through surveillance physician offices throughout
Rhode Island that send samples to the Department.
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The dominant
strain of flu circulating in Rhode Island and the country is H1N1, which was
first detected in 2009. This strain affects children, young adults, and middle
aged adults more than other strains. However, this year's vaccine protects
against H1N1 flu, as well as two or three other strains (depending on what type
of vaccine that people receive).
Everyone older
than six months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year. In
addition to healthcare workers, vaccination is especially important for
pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions such as
heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, and asthma.
HEALTH has set up
16 vaccination clinics to run throughout Rhode Island over the next 3 weeks.
There is no cost for a flu shot and there are no insurance requirements at the
clinics. People who have health insurance, however, are asked to bring their
insurance cards.
In addition to
being vaccinated at community clinics, children can be vaccinated at doctors'
offices. Adults can be vaccinated at community clinics, doctors' offices, and
pharmacies. For more information about influenza or to find a vaccination
clinic near you, visit www.health.ri.gov/flu
Related links
Department or agency:
Online: http://www.health.ri.gov
