flu season - UNCAS Health District

Flu Vaccines: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

November 21, 2024 by Uncas Health District

As December approaches, we are entering the heart of flu season. The flu can have serious consequences, especially for individuals at higher risk, including children, older adults, and those with certain health conditions. National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), observed from December 2-6, serves as an important reminder that it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting your flu vaccine.

Why the Flu Vaccine Matters

Every year, millions of people in the U.S. get sick with the flu. For many, the illness can lead to complications requiring hospitalization or, worse, be life-threatening. Vaccination is the best defense against flu-related illness. The flu vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting the flu and can also lessen the severity of symptoms if you do get sick. Importantly, it protects those around you, including infants who are too young to be vaccinated and others who may be more vulnerable.

Unfortunately, flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, particularly among children and other high-risk groups. This year, it’s critical to ensure as many people as possible are protected, and National Influenza Vaccination Week is a timely opportunity to act.

Uncas Health District Has Flu Vaccines

Flu Shots are available through Uncas Health District. Vaccines are available through our Mobile Health Team or by appointment. To schedule, simply call 860-823-1189

There are still plenty of vaccine doses available, and flu shots are free for individuals with the following insurance plans:

Anthem BC/BS
Cigna
ConnectiCare
Medicare
TriCare
UnitedHealthCare

Thanks to a donation, individuals without insurance or with other insurance can also receive their flu vaccine at no cost this season. Normally, the standard-dose flu vaccine costs $20, and the high-dose flu vaccine is $65 for those without insurance.

Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older. It’s especially important for individuals in high-risk groups, including:

Pregnant people
Young children (especially those under 5)
Adults 65 and older
Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease)

Take Action Against the Flu

The flu vaccine is your first and most important step in protecting yourself and your loved ones from the flu. With the holiday season in full swing, don’t wait—get vaccinated today. If you’re ready to take action, contact the Uncas Health District for your appointment or visit their Mobile Health Team at a location near you.

Let’s all do our part to keep our community healthy this flu season. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones—get your flu vaccine today!

DPH Confirms Connecticut’s First Influenza Deaths of Flu Season

October 16, 2024 by Uncas Health District

Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, confirmed the first two deaths of state residents due to influenza (flu) for the 2024-25 respiratory viral disease season. The announcement came at a news conference this morning where Governor Ned Lamont received his COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

The first influenza death occurred in an adult resident, 90-99 years old, who died in September. The second influenza death was an infant less than one year old that occurred in October.

“This is a tragic reminder that the 2024-25 respiratory viral disease season is here. As we approach the holiday season and people spend more time indoors, I strongly encourage all Connecticut residents to make sure they are up to date on their seasonal vaccines, particularly older individuals and those with multiple medical conditions,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD.

The current vaccine and prevention guidance to prevent respiratory viral diseases is:

Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an annual dose of influenza vaccine.
Everyone 6 months of age or older should receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
Adults 60 years of age and older and pregnant people are eligible to receive an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo). A monoclonal antibody, Nirsevimab (Beyfortus), is recommended for all infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during—or who are entering—RSV season.
Residents can receive their vaccines from their health care provider, a retail pharmacy, or by visiting vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you.
The spread of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can also be prevented through proper respiratory virus etiquette. These practices include handwashing, remaining home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, and masking if you have any respiratory symptoms.
The Federal Government is once again offering four free COVID-19 self-tests per household at covidtests.gov These tests are intended for use throughout the 2024 holiday season to detect currently circulating COVID-19 variants

More information about respiratory viral diseases is available at https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Infectious-Diseases/RVD/Respiratory-Viral-Disease-Surveillance.

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

March 28, 2024March 19, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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

March 11, 2024March 5, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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.

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

March 5, 2024February 29, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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)

February 29, 2024February 21, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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

February 14, 2024February 8, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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.

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.

Stay safe and healthy!

Get Your Flu Shot

Flu Update: Total Cases Approach 500 for Current Flu Season

February 8, 2024February 1, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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.

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)

February 1, 2024January 24, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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.

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)

January 18, 2024January 9, 2024 by Patrick McCormack

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.

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