DPH: Flu Cases are Declining, But It's Still Flu Season

According to the Lexington Department of Public Health, confirmed cases of the flu in Massachusetts have been down for two consecutive weeks, but it's too early to tell if the season has peaked.

The following information was provided by the Lexington Department of Public Health. Recent disease surveillance reports indicate that confirmed cases of influenza in Massachusetts have been on the decline for the second week in a row. Influenza, known as flu, is a very contagious disease of the respiratory system. The flu is caused by an airborne virus that is easily passed from one person to another by coughing and sneezing.   “Remember, the flu season lasts until early April," said Lexington Health Director Gerard Cody. "It’s too early to tell if the flu season has peaked in Massachusetts. To help avoid spreading the virus, everyone should continue to wash their hands frequently and cover their coughs or sneezes. It is also important to…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Flu Shots in Short Supply

A number of area pharmacies are out of flu shots, but some are optimistic that more dosages could be on the way soon.

With the recent widespread reports of a severe flu season, many local pharmacies have seen their stock of flu shots quickly depleted over the past few weeks. Most pharmacies in Bedford, Concord and Lexington are out of flu shots, though some local pharmacists are hopeful they’ll receive a shipment in the next few days. As is the case throughout the area, most local chain pharmacies—like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid—are out of flu shots. However, the CVS on Great Road in Bedford does have a few high-dosage shots available for folks ages 65 and older. A pharmacist there said local CVS stores are hoping to receive a shipment of flu shots in the next few days. It was a similar story at the Stop & Shop in Bedford, where the pharmacist said they’…

• Photos (1)

How Lexington's Handling Flu Season

A health emergency’s been declared in Boston, and there are at least a dozen cases here in Lexington.

  The flu’s been in the news quite a bit lately. First the Red Cross reported flu cases were “widespread,” then Boston Mayor Tom Menino went and declared the flu outbreak a health emergency after his city saw a tenfold increase in flu cases over last year. Here in Lexington, there have been 12 confirmed cases of flu so far in January, according to Public Health Director Gerard Cody. “Communities across Massachusetts are reporting increased amounts of flu-like illness,” Cody said, “And hospitals, community health centers and health care providers are seeing higher volumes of flu patients in their facilities.”  Vaccination remains the best protection against the flu, according to Cody, who said 2,445 residents have been vaccinated at clinics…

• Photos (1)

Flu Cases 'Widespread,' Says Red Cross

Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.

The Red Cross says there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from what is considered to be a more active flu season.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts. How do you prevent the flu? According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How do you know if you have the virus? Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). When should you call the doctor? According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be consulted immediately if you …

• Photos (1)

DPH Kindly Reminds That It's Flu Season

Flu activity may be off to a late start this season, but that means there's still time to get a flu shot and take other precautions.

The following press release was provided by Lexington's Public Health Division. Yesterday, Feb. 16, the Center for Disease Control reported for the first time this season that the percent of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza has surpassed 10 percent, which is generally a marker to indicate that flu season is beginning. By this measure, activity this season is off to a late start. In the past 29 years, the percent of respiratory samples testing positive for flu has remained below the 10 percent mark until February only once before (1987-1988). Other indicators are lagging, but are expected to increase in the coming weeks. So it’s not too late to get your flu shot! Influenza, known as flu, is a very contagious disease of …

• Photos (1)

Lexington Health Division Announces Regional Flu Clinic at Burlington Mall

Children under nine years of age who have received flu vaccine for the first time earlier this season are encouraged to attend to receive a booster dose of vaccine at a free flu clinic to be held Wednesday, Jan. 4 at the Burlington Mall food court.

The following press release was provided by Lexington's Health Division. State health officials estimate that every year an average of 2,600 Massachusetts residents are hospitalized due to complications from the flu, resulting in up to 800 deaths. It is not too late to get a flu shot even in January because flu season doesn’t usually peak until February or March. All Massachusetts residents, (including children 6 months of age and older), are invited to attend a free flu clinic Wednesday, Jan. 4 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Burlington Mall, sponsored by the local Health Departments from Bedford, Lexington and Winchester, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) and Emergency Preparedness staff from Region 4A. So far this season, the local Public Health …

• Photos (1)

Question of the Day

Question of the Day: Flu Shots?

Share your opinion in the comments section below.

Lexington's Department of Public Health has announced its first flu clinics of the season. The first, for residents age 60 and older, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 5 at St. Brigid's. The second clinic is for families and will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at Cary Hall. Both are from 9 a.m. to noon. Lexington, like other towns, has been affected by a reduction in the state supply of vaccinations. But officials said the DPH will schedule additional clinics as vaccines become available, while other options include local pharmacies and primary care physicians.  So, with that in mind, we want to know, Will you and/or your family get vaccinated this year? If so, where will you go?

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Audra Myerberg

12:48 pm on Monday, September 26, 2011

The kids usually get theirs at their annual well child visit in early November but since there is a shortage we will go to the clinic at their Pediatricians office tonight. My husband gets his shot from work and I will head over to my PCP's office as usual but maybe a bit earlier this year.   more ›