New Hampshire Flu Update
Like many areas of the country, flu activity in New Hampshire continues to increase with high levels of influenza-like-illness being reported in communities around the State.
- So far this season there have been 52 outbreaks reported, most occuring in nursing homes or long-term care facilities; 2 of those outbreaks remain open and active.
- There have been 37 flu-related deaths in New Hampshire so far this flu season.
- Anyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get vaccinated as it remains the best protection against the illness.
In the Media:
- WMUR Monthly Checkup - the latest on the flu in New Hampshire with Dr. Jodie Dionne-Odom
- WMUR Live Chat 01/11/2013: Answering Your Concerns About the Flu
- WOKQ Radio Interview 01/15/2013 Update on NH flu activity including ways to help prevent the flu
An estimated 25,000 people die of influenza complications and over 200,000 are hospitalized each year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is at least 6 months of age get an annual flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, especially those at high-risk of flu complications.
A new flu vaccine is needed every year because flu viruses are constantly changing. The flu vaccine is formulated each year to keep up with the flu viruses as they change. Getting vaccinated each year is the best protection against influenza throughout the flu season.
The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue as late as May. It is not possible to predict how mild or severe the flu season will be, so getting vaccinated is your best protection!
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools.
Caring for Someone Sick
- Caring for Someone Sick at Home
- Get Smart: Know When Antibiotics Work - Aims to reduce the rise of antibiotic resistance by educating patients and providers on the appropriate use of antibiotics.
- The Flu: A Guide for Parents
Flu Prevention
- Cleaning to Prevent the Flu
- Everyday Preventive Actions That Can Help Fight Germs, Like Flu
- "Take 3" Actions to Fight the Flu
General Information
- Cold Vs. Flu
- How Do You Know if You Have the Flu?
- How Flu Spreads
- Influenza Fact Sheet
- Key Facts About Influenza (Flu) and Flu Vaccine
- What You Should Know About the 2012-2013 Influenza Season
Health Care Providers
- Influenza Vaccine Recommendations, 2012-2013–See page 613(9) of document
- Guides for Doses of Influenza Vaccine for Children Ages 6 Months through 8 Years During the 2012-2013 Influenza Season
- Influenza Vaccine Products for the 2012-2013 Influenza Season
- Screening Questionnaire for Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination
- Screening Questionnaire for Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza
Vaccination - Standing Orders for Administering Influenza Vaccine to Adults
High Risk for Flu Complications
- Action Steps for Parents of Children at Higher Risk for Flu Complications
- Flu: A Guide for Parents of Children or Adolescents with Chronic Health
Conditions - People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications
Pregnant Women
Schools