Board Of Health Provides Update On Flu Season

The following is an update provided by the Lynnfield Board of Health:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) announced on January 10, 2013 that it is working with all local boards of health and is assisting in ensuring vaccines are available, though their current supply has already been distributed. The Lynnfield Board of Health has held a number of flu clinics opened to the public at Town Hall and the Senior Center as well as provided flu shots to Police/Fire and School Dept personnel.

The MA DPH further announced this is the strongest (worst) flu season nationally and in Massachusetts in several years. The latest statewide data shows that rates of flu-like illness are on the rise in Massachusetts, earlier in the flu season than in recent years. 

Flu vaccines are readily available in health care and pharmacy settings across Massachusetts. Residents are encouraged to contact their health care provider, community health center, or local pharmacy to get vaccinated. If a local clinic does not have vaccines available, check with a nearby provider or pharmacy as supplies are ample statewide.

Per MA DPH, this year’s flu vaccine has shown to be a particularly effective match against the dominant strains of influenza currently circulating, and vaccine supplies are ample.

Please visit https://www.Mylocalclinic.com for area flu clinics.

Besides getting vaccinated, there are other steps that individuals can take to prevent the spread of flu. These include frequent hand washing for at least twenty seconds with soap and warm water, covering a cough or sneeze with a sleeve rather than the hands, and staying home from work or school if sick. DPH also has an informational resource for individuals who are caring for someone sick with the flu at home. Flu: What You Can Do – Caring for People at Home is available online at www.mass.gov/flu.