Flu Information

Important information about the flu season from the Public Health Department:

Flu activity is increasing dramatically across the state. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health states that flu activity is widespread and there is high activity. Amherst and Northampton are also experiencing high levels, but according to Cooley Dickinson Hospital the activity is not as bad as in the Boston area.

There are simple, very effective steps everyone should take to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.

1) Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.

2) Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.

3) Stay home if you are sick.

If you or a family member comes down with the flu there is an informational resource available on how to care for flu patients at home. It’s a brochure called “Flu: What You Can Do”, and it explains basic concepts such as

• What’s the difference between a cold and the flu
• How to keep from getting the flu
• How to care for someone who has the flu
• When you should call the doctor, or seek immediate assistance through 911

“Flu: What You Can Do” is available at no cost in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Arabic, Vietnamese, Russian, Khmer, and Chinese. All versions are available for immediate download or in hard copy format http://www.maclearinghouse.com/product/FL3629.html.

If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine, it still makes sense to get vaccinated since flu season can continue for several more months. Call your health care provider to schedule an appointment, locate a pharmacy offering the vaccine, or attend a flu clinic.  

For more information about the flu, visit www.mass.gov/flu.

The other informational links in both English and Spanish are:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/fluguideforparents_brochure.pdf

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/languages/flu_guide_parents_sp.pdf