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…

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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…

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With West Nile in Arlington, Lexington Health Dept Offers Safety Tips

Health officials will also treat about 4,000 catch basins over the next few weeks.

The following was provided by the Lexington Department of Public Health. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced Aug. 2 that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from the Town of Arlington, Massachusetts. Statewide last year, four thousand seventy five (4575) mosquito samples were tested for WNV and as a result, only two hundred seventy five (275) samples were positive. WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of fifty (50) are at higher risk for severe infection. Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors of West Nile Virus. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an …

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DPH: Check for Ticks After Outdoor Activities

Wear light-colored long sleeves, pants and socks so it’s easier to spot ticks; tuck your pants in your socks and other lessons on Lyme disease and tick bite prevention from Lexington's Department of Public Health.

The following was provided by the Lexington Board of Health. Whether it’s hiking in the woods or just working in your yard, outdoor activities put you at risk for contracting Lyme disease. Lexington’s Office of Community Development, Health Division and the Board of Health want to educate local residents of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, and what you can do to prevent it. Annual confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Lexington average in the low teens and have remained constant over the last few years. Lyme disease is a potentially debilitating bacterial infection spread through the bite of an infected deer tick (Ixodes scapularis). Most humans are infected through the bite of immature deer ticks called nymphs. Deer ticks wait in the …

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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 …

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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?

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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 ›

About Town

About Town: West Nile Threat Increases

Carrying mosquitoes found in more towns around Lexington.

Oh great, now we really have to slather on the bug repellant (hopefully green and environmentally safe). Recently, we reported that West Nile was found in Arlington, which is a little to close to home.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released a statement alerting residents that Burlington and Belmont also tested positive for West Nile. Following that news, Health Department Director Gerard Cody today issued an updated press release. I'll relay some, I'll give you the link at the end of the article.  Here's the good news: "Lexington has not had any WNV positive mosquito or human cases so far this season," the press release stated. It's followed by not-so-good news: "Although WNV has not been detected in Lexington yet this …

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