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:
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:
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