Residents encouraged to get flu shots

Influenza (flu) activity has rapidly increased in the past two weeks and has contributed to the deaths of three individuals in Connecticut over the age of 65 so far this season, according to the CT Department of Public Health. While the increase in flu activity and deaths is not unusual for this time of year, residents are strongly urged to get a flu shot.

The winter months and holidays bring people together, typically indoors, and people need to protect themselves from bringing home a present that no one wants: the flu. It is not too late to get the flu vaccination, and people should not be deterred from getting the shot because of recent reports that the vaccine has not been as effective in other parts of the world. According to the CT Department of Public Health, we do not yet know how effective this year’s vaccine will be, but we do know that the flu shot will give people more protection against the flu, and at the very least will lessen the symptoms if flu is contracted.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that is spread through the air and by direct contact with respiratory droplets. Typical symptoms of the flu include sudden fever, aching muscles, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, headache and eye pain. While anyone, particularly individuals who are not vaccinated, can contract the flu, the illness is especially dangerous for certain groups, including: people aged 65 and older; children younger than 2 years old; people of any age with chronic medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure or lung disease; and pregnant women.

As of Dec. 16, 355 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza have been reported in Connecticut. Overall, the most prevalent strain of influenza seen in Connecticut thus far this season is Influenza A (H3N2), which typically causes more severe illness than other flu strains.

Precautions to take include: Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands thoroughly and often especially when preparing and handling food, cover your coughs and sneezes, and let someone else do the cooking if you are not feeling well.

For information, contact your town’s health department or your own physician.