To protect the public’s health and reduce the spread of influenza (flu) virus, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is teaming up with local health departments to provide free or low-cost influenza vaccine at several locations across the state this Saturday.The DPH strongly encourages all Connecticut residents over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot and is working with local health departments and districts to make it easy for everyone to get one.
The town of Orange is participating in this weekend’s State Flu Vaccination Day event on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Health Department, 605A Orange Center Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You may attend ANY clinic listed on the DPH website regardless of the town you live in. If you have an insurance card please bring one. Your insurance will be billed a small administration fee but you will not be charged anything out of pocket. The vaccine is free.
The current strain of flu is particularly dangerous and according to state health officials, it is to blame for 32 deaths in CT so far this season.
The state Department of Public Health released its weekly report today, Jan. 25. According to the report, from Aug. 27 through Jan. 20, 824 patients were hospitalized with confirmed cases of the flu. There have been 32 deaths attributed to the flu – 28 in patients over the age of 65, two in patients between 50 and 64, 1 patient between 25 and 49, and one between the ages of 5 and 17.
Flu symptoms vary from person to person. In general, people who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms, according to the CDC:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not everyone with flu will have fever)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults