Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The flu is making the rounds. Are you staying home with it?
Local hospitals are seeing spikes in flu cases and the Red Cross is seeing widespread cases of the flu. But, if you’re one of those people sick with the flu or with another illness, are you staying home from work? In some jobs, increased pressure to get projects complete can result in people going to work while sick. That can make it take longer to get healthy, and potentially leave coworkers infected as well. Not to mention, your illness can make others in the office uncomfortable as they listen to your sniffles and sneezes and hope they don't pick up what ails you. Infecting your coworkers isn’t an issue if you work from home, or can work from home when you're sick. But some jobs don’t offer that option, or paid sick leave, which …
Monday, January 14, 2013
A little advice from the Concord Health Division.
The flu’s been in the news quite a bit lately. First the Red Cross reported flu cases were “widespread,” then Boston Mayor Tom Menino went and declared the flu outbreak a health emergency after his city saw a tenfold increase in flu cases over last year. Here in Concord, the Health Division has provided the following information on its website: The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Flu vaccines are readily available at Rite Aid and CVS and are covered by most insurance carriers.You must be at least 18-years-old. Check with your Primary Care …
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Flu season is upon us, and strong, officials say.
This week, the Red Cross called cases of the flu "widespread," while Boston officials on Wednesday declared the flu outbreak a public health emergency. Is this just another flu season — akin to past winters when H1N1 or norovirus flared up? Or is it more than just a bunch of hype? Some towns in the area are reporting that they're out of flu vaccine. Have you gotten a flu shot this year? Or do you not see the point? Tell us what you think — is the flu getting too much hype? Or does the headline-hogging flu deserve the attention?
Friday, December 14, 2012
Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
- LOCAL CONNECTIONS
- John Ness
-
Friday, December 14, 2012
Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in the Boston area than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Concord-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Massachusetts, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Concord the HealthMap Vaccine Finder has identified that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course): CVS Pharmacy Rite Aid More locations We know there are other places, including your doctor's offices and employers, so feel free to add your go-to flu shot spot in the comment section below. According…
Pat
11:31 am on Saturday, January 12, 2013
I have been a nurse for over 40 years. I cannot remember a more virulent flu in this region. I cared for a family yesterday whose previously well 4 year old had died of the flu the day before. I have a 60 year old friend who never gets the flu shot because he "is healthy and never gets the flu." He was admitted for several days with a severe pneumonia and such a concerning headache he had several… more ›