Influenza rates rise sharply in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (WAGM) – Maine is experiencing a pointy enhance in seasonal influenza (flu) exercise statewide in keeping with the Maine Middle for Illness Management and Prevention (Maine CDC). The Maine CDC is reminding residents and guests to take steps to remain wholesome, together with getting the flu vaccine.

Signs of the flu for most individuals means a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nostril, muscle aches, and fatigue. Contracting flu may also end in extra extreme signs that may result in hospitalization and loss of life.

The Maine CDC says the very best safety is the flu vaccine, which is really useful for these aged 6 months and older.

“Maine’s flu season is undeniably right here nevertheless it’s not too late to guard your self and your family members in time for vacation gatherings,” mentioned Maine CDC Director Nirav D. Shah. “This yr’s flu vaccine is an effective match for the strains of the virus circulating in Maine and throughout the nation. Getting your flu vaccine is the best approach to forestall the unfold of flu, in addition to its worst impacts.”

All 16 counties are experiencing a sustained enhance in flu exercise in keeping with the Maine CDC. There have been 63 influenza-associated hospitalizations reported to Maine CDC final week, a 152 p.c enhance from the earlier week. Of these hospitalizations, practically 50 p.c had been in folks age 65 and older. This yr, Maine CDC has reported 3,446 constructive influenza assessments, 110 hospitalizations, and 31outbreaks, suggesting a better and extra speedy enhance in flu exercise than is typical for this time of the yr.

Flu vaccination can cut back the chance of sickness, visits to the physician, and missed work or faculty, says the Maine CDC. The flu vaccine may also cut back the severity of the sickness.

Along with getting vaccinated, Maine CDC recommends folks take the next steps to scale back the unfold of sickness:

• Keep house if you find yourself sick
• Wash your arms
• Cowl your coughs and sneezes
• Keep away from shut contact with people who find themselves sick
• Keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, and mouth
• Clear and disinfect surfaces and objects

For extra details about flu, please go to: www.maineflu.gov.

To search out the closest flu vaccination heart, please go to: www.vaccines.gov.

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