Community Corner

Red Cross: Flu Cases 'Widespread'

The Newton Department of Health and Human Services is still offering flu shots by appointment.

 

The Red Cross says there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from what officials are considering a very active flu season. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts.

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If you missed one of Newton's free flu clinics earlier this winter, the Newton Department of Health and Human Services is still offering free flu shots by appointment. 

To receive a flu shot or the nasal spray flu vaccine, call the department at 617-796-1420 to make an appointment to come the Health Department office in Newton Centre. Insurance information is requested, but not required.

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

More information on the city's flu shots is available online

Below are more tips from the CDC on the flu, its symptoms and preventative measures you can take to avoid the virus:

 

How do you prevent the flu?

According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away after use. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
  • Wash hands often, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand-rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you’re sick. 
  • How do you know if you have the virus?

    Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children).

    When should you call the doctor?

    According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be consulted immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • Fast breathing, trouble breathing or bluish skin color.
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen (adults).
  • Confusion or sudden dizziness.
  • Not drinking enough fluids, not being able to eat, or severe or persistent vomiting.
  • Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
  • Not waking up, being so irritable that the child does not want to be held or not interacting (children).
  • Fever with a rash (children).
  • No tears when crying or significantly fewer wet diapers than normal (children).

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