Influenza (Flu)

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. People get sick from seasonal flu viruses every year. Flu can cause illness ranging from mild to severe and in some cases can lead to hospitalization and even death. Most people who get the flu will have a fever plus a cough or a fever plus a sore throat. Other symptoms may include runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. (more)

What you should do

• Get your flu vaccine at your doctor's office, a pharmacy, or a public clinic.
• Make sure all of your family members who are older than 6 months of age are vaccinated.
• Take everyday actions to prevent the spread of germs that cause the flu.
• Learn how to treat the flu.
• Contact your doctor if you are ill with flu-like symptoms (fever above 100ºF and/or cough, and sore throat).

What we are doing

In addition to co-sponsoring public flu vaccination clinics, the Rhode Island Department of Health partners with many organizations throughout the state to remind Rhode Islanders about the importance of vaccination against the flu.

The flu vaccination clinics co-sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Health include the school-located flu vaccination clinics that run each fall in Rhode Island schools.

Influenza hit Rhode Island very early this year and much more flu is circulating this year than in years past. However, the flu vaccine being used this year is a good match for the influenza viruses that have been identified thus far.

Although some people who were vaccinated against the flu have become sick, this was not unexpected.  Flu vaccine usually protects approximately 65% of healthy adults who are vaccinated. Flu vaccine protects 35% of people older than 65 years of age who are vaccinated. High-dose flu vaccine is available at some retail outlets and is approved for use in people older than 65 years of age.

Flu figures through January 14, 2013

• Approximately 44% of Rhode Islanders have been vaccinated. Of children between 6 months and 6 years of age, approximately 70% have been vaccinated. Approximately 19% of people from 19 to 49 years of age have been vaccinated.
• The most hospitalizations have been seen this year among the elderly. To date 241 Rhode Islanders who are older than 65 years of age have been hospitalized. The second highest number of hospitalizations has been seen among people from 25 to 49 years of age (80 hospitalizations). Among children from 6 months to 4 years, 16 hospitalizations have been recorded.

Antiviral Treatment

Antivirals are prescription medicines used to treat the flu when people are very sick or at high risk of flu-related complications. In order to work, they must be started within two days after getting sick. Antivirals can be taken regardless of whether someone has been vaccinated. (more)