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Flu Facts


2007-08 Flu Season Information


Every year, flu kills 36,000 Americans and causes over 114,000 hospitalizations.

Prevention:

  • Take advantage of a flu shot. Be sure to get the shot every year because flu viruses are constantly changing and new vaccines are needed to protect against the different flu viruses.
  • Frequently wash hands and encourage your family to wash hands. Hand-washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of illness.
  • Avoid crowded, public places during flu season, since the illness is primarily spread through the air.
  • A person can spread the flu virus starting one day before he or she feels sick and continuing up to three to seven days after they develop symptoms. A child can continue to spread the virus for longer than seven days.

Symptoms: The flu is different from a cold. Symptoms may include:

  • Sudden onset of a high fever.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Dry cough.
  • Extreme fatigue.
  • Children may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms.

Treatment:

    Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics are not useful in treating the disease. There are several anti-viral medications that can reduce symptoms and duration of the flu. These are available only by prescription through your doctor.

Treatment for flu symptoms include:

  • Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and aches.
  • Bed rest.
  • Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  • NEVER give aspirin to a children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms. Giving aspirin in these cases can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.

Complications:

    Most people who get the flu will recover in one to two weeks. However, a certain number develop complications that include secondary bacterial infections such as sinus and ear infections and pneumonia.

    These complications are more common among very young children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.


2007-2008 Flu Season Information

Flu Clinics

    Flu clinics from Southcoast Hospitals

    • Check back later this fall for a listing of flu clinics at Southcoast Hospitals


    Flu clinics in our communities

    • Wednesday, November 7 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | City of New Bedford Health Department, Community Services & Council on Aging, Hazelwood Senior Center (Hazelwood Park). $5 administration fee or a participating insurance plan will be required alomg with proof of residency. Open to all New Bedford residents age 50 and over and age 18 and older with chronic medical conditions.

    • Tuesday, November 13 | 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | City of New Bedford Health Department, Community Services & Council on Aging, Buttonwood Senior Center (Buttonwood Park). $5 administration fee or a participating insurance plan will be required alomg with proof of residency. Open to all New Bedford residents age 50 and over and age 18 and older with chronic medical conditions.

    • Thursday, November 15 | 9 a.m. to noon | HealthFirst Family Care Center, 102 County Street, Fall River. Free. Available only to adults 18 years of age and older living in Greater Fall River. No appointment is necessary.


    MassPRO's Website lists all available flu clinics in Massachusetts. Please note that:

    • Some clinics may charge a fee, even for Medicare beneficiaries.
    • Some clinics may bill your health insurance plan, so please bring your health insurance card.
    • Please wear short-sleeved clothing.
    • All flu clinics are subject to change without notice.
    • MassPRO Flu Clinics


Southcoast Health Van

    Unfortunately flu shots are no longer offered on the Southcoast Health Van. The Southcoast Health Van will continue to offer tetanus and pneumonia vaccines.

    We suggest those in need of a flu shot contact their primary care physician about the availability of flu shots and keep an eye on your local newspaper for future announcements about public availability.



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