Health officials declare flu widespread in RI

Daniel Kittredge
Posted 1/9/14

State health officials on Wednesday formally declared influenza to be widespread in Rhode Island, issuing an order requiring many health care workers to wear masks and urging residents to be …

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Health officials declare flu widespread in RI

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State health officials on Wednesday formally declared influenza to be widespread in Rhode Island, issuing an order requiring many health care workers to wear masks and urging residents to be vaccinated.

“Most people forget what it’s like to have the flu. It’s not the common cold…it’s a whole lot worse,” said Dr. Michael Fine, director of the state Department of Health, during a press conference. “It’s a significant illness, and it’s a significant illness that is preventable, preventable by getting the shot.”

Fine said the flu has been continuing to rise nationwide, in the region and in Rhode Island this season, with H1N1 – which was first detected in 2009 and largely affects children and young adults – being the dominant strain. This year’s vaccine, said Fine, protects against H1N1.

“This is not a typical year. This year younger people are more affected than the elderly,” said Fine in a statement urging vaccinations. “But the good news for children and young adults is that the flu vaccine is a very good match for the strain that is circulating. It’s not too late to be vaccinated.”

Clinics began Wednesday at Warwick Mall and continue over the next several weeks. Among those scheduled:

Saturday, Jan. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Johnston High School, 345 Cherry Hill Road, Johnston

Monday, Jan. 13, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick

Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at West Warwick High School, 1 Webster Knight Drive, West Warwick

Thursday, Jan. 23, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Buttonwoods Community Center, 3027 West Shore Road, Warwick

The clinics are open to anyone over the age of six months. There is no cost and no insurance requirement, although those with health insurance are asked to bring their insurance cards.

A full schedule of the clinic, as well as additional information about the flu and Wednesday’s announcement, is available online at www.health.ri.gov or by calling the Health Information Line at 222-5960/RI Relay 711.

According to health officials, the flu has hospitalized 25 Rhode Islanders thus far this season, up from 16 on Dec. 30. Flu is now widespread in 25 states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut. Flu activity in Rhode Island is expected to rise significantly in Rhode Island over the next two weeks.

Aside from children and young adults, health officials say vaccinations are most important for pregnant women, health care workers, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions.

Fine on Wednesday said he would be signing a declaration “that puts our masking requirement into force” for health care workers who have routine face-to-face contact with patients. The rule, he said, applies to “anyone who has face-to-face contact, including volunteers.”

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