Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A new norovirus strain was detected last year in Australia and has reached the United States
Although the flu is on everyone’s minds this season, the winter vomiting bug, or the norovirus, is making its rounds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the norovirus causes about 70,000 hospitalizations and 800 deaths each year, mostly in young children and the elderly. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pains. The CDC points out that the norovirus is often referred to as the stomach flu, but it is unrelated to influenza. A new norovirus strain, GII.4 Sydney, was detected last year in Australia. The strain hit the U.K and sickened over a million people. It has now reached the United States and this new strain appears to be taking over. Of norovirus cases reported from …
Friday, January 11, 2013
One of the worst flu seasons in recent memory is upon us; town officials are offering tips.
Submitted by the Grafton Health Department Everyone has heard by now that the seasonal flu has arrived early and it looks like it is going to be pretty severe. Just a few reminders on how the flu is passed from person to person and some ways you can prevent it. 1. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO VACCINATE: The flu shot will hopefully help keep the flu away or at the very least it will help you get a less severe case. The flu shot is safe for anyone 6 months and over with very few exceptions. 2. WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR FACE: The flu is spread by droplets. If your hands get the virus on them you will infect yourself by bringing your hand to your face without washing. Simple way to avoid the flu is to wash, wash, wash... 3. STAY AT LEAST 3…
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.
The Red Cross said there's still time for folks to get flu shots and be covered from what is considered to be a more active flu season. Here are some local options. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said flu outbreaks are high for this time of the season, with "widespread activity" in Massachusetts. How do you prevent the flu? According to the CDC, in addition to getting the vaccine, you can: How do you know if you have the virus? Symptoms include: high fever, severe body aches, headache, being extremely tired, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, and vomiting and/or diarrhea (which is more common in children). When should you call the doctor? According to the Red Cross, if you think you have the flu, your doctor should be …
Friday, December 14, 2012
Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.
- LOCAL CONNECTIONS
- John Ness
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Friday, December 14, 2012
Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in the Boston-area than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Grafton-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Massachusetts, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in and near Grafton that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course): CVS, 100 Worcester St., Grafton CVS, 197 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury CVS, 63 Canal St., Millbury For more locations, enter your zip code into the widget in this article. According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels …
Myd Nevins
4:27 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013
The flu shot has always been quick and painless for me and best of all... free. more ›