flu

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

 

 

 

Flu Update: 133 Reported Cases in District This Flu Season (Dec. 23)

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133 influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to December 23, 2023, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers mark an increase of 19 cases from the reporting period ending December 16, 2023.

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.

It is likely that we will experience an increase in reports over the next week or so that will likely be related to holiday gatherings and travel. If you have not yet received your flu vaccine, it’s not too late.

Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as:

  • People 65 years of age and older
  • People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or asthma
  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than five years old
  • People who live with or care for people at high risk for complications from the flu

Flu vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevents millions of flu illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year.

 

 

Flu Update: 72 Reported Cases in District This Flu Season (Dec. 9)

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uncas health district flu update

72 influenza cases have been identified in the 11 cities and towns of the Uncas Health District this flu season, according to December 9, 2023, data from the Connecticut Department of Health. This week’s reported numbers mark an increase of 18 cases from the reporting period ending December 2, 2023.

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 are likely to continue rising throughout the winter months, so it is important to get your flu vaccination if you have not already.

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 is necessary. 

Understanding the Difference: Common Cold vs. Flu

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family with common cold

As the seasons change, seasonal illnesses like the common cold and influenza often increase, often leaving many unsure whether they’re battling a cold or the flu. In the 11 cities and towns that make up the Uncas Health District, understanding the differences between these ailments becomes crucial for timely treatment and prevention.

Symptoms

  • Common Cold:
    • Onset: Symptoms generally develop gradually.
    • Nasal Congestion: A runny or stuffy nose is a common symptom.
    • Sore Throat: Mild to moderate discomfort in the throat.
    • Sneezing and Coughing: Frequent sneezing and a mild, hacking cough are typical.
    • Mild Fatigue: Feeling tired or rundown may occur but is usually manageable.
  • Influenza (Flu):
    • Sudden Onset: Symptoms often hit abruptly and severely.
    • Fever: High fever (typically above 100.4°F or 38°C) is common and can last for several days.
    • Muscle Aches: Severe body aches and pains, sometimes affecting the entire body.
    • Fatigue: Overwhelming tiredness and weakness are typical and can last for weeks.
    • Dry Cough: A persistent and often severe cough is common.

chart demonstrating differences between a cold and the flu

Differentiating Between Cold and Flu

  • Fever: While it’s possible to have a low-grade fever with a cold, higher fevers are more indicative of the flu.
  • Intensity of Symptoms: The flu tends to make you feel significantly more unwell compared to a common cold.
  • Duration: Colds usually last for about a week, while the flu can persist for longer periods, leaving you fatigued for weeks.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you suspect you have the flu, especially if you are at high risk for complications (children, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions), it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly. 

Preventative Measures

  • Vaccination: Yearly flu shots can significantly reduce your risk of contracting the flu.
  • Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can prevent the spread of both illnesses.

Understanding the differences between the common cold and influenza can drive appropriate health actions. By recognizing symptoms and taking preventative measures, individuals can navigate flu season with greater awareness and safeguard themselves against cold and flu.

Remember, while this information serves as a guide, consulting a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment is crucial if you’re experiencing severe symptoms or are at high risk for complications.

For more information on differentiating the common cold from influenza, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm#

For a listing of Uncas Health District Flu Shot Clinics and other events, please click here.

 

 

 

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