Flu Information

For Providers

For the Public

Questions and Answers About Influenza and Influenza Vaccine

Rhode Island Department of Health

3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
Immunization:
Phone: (401) 222-4604 Fax: (401) 222-1442
Becky Bessette
Surveillance:
Phone: (401) 222-2577
Fax: (401) 222-2488

Rhode Island Department of Health
Influenza (Flu) Information

giving comfort Influenza is a viral infection that is highly contagious. It is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs, but is different from a cold. Influenza symptoms come quickly in the form of fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and debilitating for a number of days. Although most people who become infected with influenza will get sick and require bed rest, people who are 65 and older (and those with other health problems) can require hospitalization and die from Influenza.

To ensure that those who are at highest risk of complications from influenza have access to vaccine this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that only people in certain priority groups receive inactivated influenza vaccine (i.e., “flu shot”) until October 24, 2005:

All children ages 6-23 months
Adults aged 65 years and older
Persons aged 2-64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions (this includes heart and lung disease, asthma, and diabetes)
All women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
Health care workers involved in direct patient care
Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children 6 months and younger

Beginning October 24, 2005, all persons can get a flu shot depending upon availability of vaccine.

It should be noted that vaccination with the live nasal-spray flu vaccine (Flumist®) is always an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant. This vaccine is not subject to prioritization and can be given to healthy 5-49 year olds at any time. For more information:

MMWR Update: Influenza Vaccine Supply and Recommendations for Prioritization During the 2005--06 Influenza Season , September 2, 2005

Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) MMWR July 29, 2005 / 54(RR08);1-40

Influenza Immunization Recommendations for Individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Influenza Information (exit HEALTH)
Healthy Habits Keep You Well
Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, school, or work. (exit HEALTH)

Where can I Find a Flu Clinic?