influenza

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. 

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