Flu Vaccine

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: 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: 58 New Cases Reported as Busy Flu Season Continues

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58 new influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to February 10, 2024, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers bring the flu season total to 549 cases in the district.

Those aged 18-49 years old represent the largest group for positive flu cases, comprising 183 of the total cases reported, followed by 5-17-year-olds with 130 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 Type 2-10-2024

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

 

Uncas Health District Offering Flu Vaccine Clinics Throughout December

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young girl gets flu shot

Uncas Health District will be offering a number of Flu Vaccine Clinics throughout December.

 

Mondays in December (except Dec. 25)

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Please call (860) 823-1189 to make an appointment.

 

Tuesday, December 26 + Thursday, December 28

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Walk-ins accepted. No appointment necessary. 

 

 

flu vccine clinic poster

 

DPH Confirms Connecticut’s First Flu and RSV Deaths of Season

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Flu under a microscope

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the first deaths of state residents due to influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the 2023-24 respiratory viral disease season. The influenza death occurred in an adult resident, 80-89 years old, from Middlesex County, and the RSV death occurred in an adult resident, 80-89 years old, from New Haven County. No other information on these patients will be released.

During October, 67 COVID-19-associated deaths have also been reported in Connecticut residents. Historically, in Connecticut, most deaths from COVID-19 have been among people aged 55 and older.

“This is a tragic reminder that the 2023-24 respiratory viral disease season is already an active one. As we approach the holidays, 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. “Even if you have had COVID before and have been previously vaccinated, our immunity dwindles over time. Getting vaccinated this fall will help you protect yourself and other members of your family as we enter the holiday season. In addition, preventing illnesses, even if they might have been mild infections, will help keep our children in school and adults at work. A healthier society at large will help all of us live our best lives.”

The current vaccine 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 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.
  • The spread of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can also be prevented through proper respiratory virus etiquette. These practices include hand-washing, remaining home when sick, disinfecting surfaces, and masking if you have any respiratory symptoms.
  • Residents can receive their vaccines from their healthcare provider, a retail pharmacy, or by visiting vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location near you. Additionally, DPH and the Connecticut Immunization Coalition are partnering with local health departments throughout the state on numerous vaccine clinics for children and adults. The entire schedule of local health clinics can be accessed at https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/aWVXd/5/.

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

Influenza Resources from Uncas Health District

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