flu season

Flu Update: Busy Flu Season Continues as Nearly 80 New Cases Reported

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weekly flu update
In what continues to be one of the busiest flu seasons in recent memory, 79 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to March 15, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 811 cases in the district.
Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 286 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 174 cases. It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

Even though spring has sprung, flu season is far from over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Additional Flu Resources

Flu Update: 90 New Cases Reported Last Week, Season Total Approaching 700

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90 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to March 1, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 684 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 231 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 155 cases.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

flu cases by age

Even though we are experiencing spring-like temperatures this week, flu season is far from over. It is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

 

 

Flu Update: New Cases Slow, But Flu Season is Far From Over

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flu update, february 24

18 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to February 24, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 594 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 199 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 139 cases.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

While the recent snowfall has melted, flu season generally lasts through April or May. So, it is important to remain cautious, and it’s not too late to receive your flu vaccine. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

Stay safe and healthy!

Flu Update: 27 New Cases Reported This Week (Feb. 17)

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27 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to February 17, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 576 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 190 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 138 cases.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

While the recent warm and sunny weather might feel like spring, eastern Connecticut is still very much in the thick of flu season. Flu activity is currently elevated and may continue to stay that way for several weeks.

So, don’t pack away those good habits just yet. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

And it’s not too late to get your flu shot. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza.

Stay safe and healthy!

Flu Update: 44 New Cases Reported in Past Week

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Flu Update, February 3, 2024

44 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to February 3, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 491 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 162 of the 447 total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 116 cases.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

Week 5 Flu NumbersFlu Chart by type

While the recent warm and sunny weather might feel like spring, eastern Connecticut is still very much in the thick of flu season. Flu activity is currently elevated and may continue to stay that way for several weeks.

So, don’t pack away those good habits just yet. Remember to:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being in public places or around sick people.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow to prevent spreading germs.
  • Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to avoid making others sick.

And it’s not too late to get your flu shot. Vaccination is the single most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu. Talk to your doctor today about getting vaccinated – it’s still your best defense against influenza.

Stay safe and healthy!

 

Get Your Flu Shot

Flu Update: Total Cases Approach 500 for Current Flu Season

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flu update week 4

32 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to January 27, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 447 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 150 of the 447 total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 99 cases.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

flu cases - 1.27 flu cases week 4

The colder months bring an increased risk of influenza, but getting vaccinated now can safeguard your health. The flu vaccine is essential for protecting individuals from potentially severe complications, especially for high-risk groups like:

  • People 65 and older
  • Individuals with chronic health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, asthma)
  • Pregnant women
  • Children under 5
  • Those caring for or living with high-risk individuals

Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and proven to prevent millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths annually.

If you haven’t already, prioritize getting vaccinated, especially if you fall into a high-risk group. It’s not too late to protect yourself and others from the flu’s impact.

Vaccination is a proactive step towards a healthier community. Choose prevention and navigate the winter with greater resilience. Let’s work together to minimize the flu’s impact this season.

Get Your Flu Shot

 

 

Flu Update: Nearly 80 New Influenza Cases Reported Last Week (Jan. 20)

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78 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to January 20, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 347 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 117 of the 347 total cases reported.  5-17-year-olds and 50-64-year-olds each reported 70 cases, followed by 65+ (57 cases) and 0-4 (33 cases).

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

chart reporting 347 flu cases in the district this season

The colder months bring an increased risk of influenza, but getting vaccinated now can safeguard your health. The flu vaccine is essential for protecting individuals from potentially severe complications, especially for high-risk groups like:

  • People 65 and older
  • Individuals with chronic health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, asthma)
  • Pregnant women
  • Children under 5
  • Those caring for or living with high-risk individuals

Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and proven to prevent millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths annually.

If you haven’t already, prioritize getting vaccinated, especially if you fall into a high-risk group. It’s not too late to protect yourself and others from the flu’s impact.

Vaccination is a proactive step towards a healthier community. Choose prevention and navigate the winter with greater resilience. Let’s work together to minimize the flu’s impact this season.

Find Our Mobile Health Team

 

Flu Update: Influenza Cases Continue to Rise as New Year Begins (Jan. 6)

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Nearly 200 influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to January 6, 2023, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers mark an increase of 29 cases from the reporting period ending December 30, 2023 — and a total of 196 cases over the entire flu season.

A majority of reported cases were among those aged 18-49 and 65+.

It is important to note that influenza cases are only reported if there is a hospitalization or if the positive test comes from a minor.

flu numbers week 1 flu by age

As we enter the colder winter months, we may see a rise in cases of the influenza virus. However, there’s still time to bolster your defenses and keep yourself healthy.

The flu vaccine remains a crucial tool in protecting individuals from the potentially severe complications of influenza. Its importance is particularly amplified for those at higher risk, including:

  • Individuals 65 years of age and older
  • Those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or asthma
  • Pregnant women
  • Children under five years old
  • Individuals who live with or care for those at high risk

Fortunately, flu vaccines are both safe and effective. With their ability to prevent millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year, according to the CDC, they represent a powerful line of defense against the virus.

Therefore, we encourage everyone, especially those in the aforementioned high-risk groups, to prioritize getting vaccinated if they haven’t already. It’s not too late to shield yourself and those around you from the potential impact of the flu.

Remember, vaccination is a proactive step towards a healthier community. Let’s collectively choose prevention and navigate the winter months with greater resilience.

Find Our Mobile Health Team

 

 

 

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