The Rhode Island Department of Health has asked that schools post the following information. I respectfully request that you pass the information along when you can. Best regards, Jennifer Copeland
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Department of Health
Three Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097
401-222-5960 / Ri Relay 711
www.health.ri.gov
December 7, 2012
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Over the last few days the number of flu cases in Rhode Island has increased greatly. In the past, when the flu has hit Rhode Island this hard at this time of year we faced very severe flu seasons.
The good news is that the flu vaccine being used this year is very effective. Everyone older than six months of age should be vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccine will help you stay out of the doctor’s office and the hospital, will help your children stay at school, and will help prevent the spread of the flu in your home.
Where can you be vaccinated?
Children and adults can be vaccinated at doctors’ offices or at public clinics. Adults can also be vaccinated at pharmacies (for example, CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens).
For a list of public clinics, visit www.health.ri.gov or call the HEALTH Information Line (401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711). Staff on the HEALTH Information Line can direct you to a clinic where there is no charge for flu vaccination and where health insurance is not required.
Other important tips to stay healthy
Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.
Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Flu is spread through coughing or sneezing on other people or into your hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes to prevent others from getting sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods.
If you think you have the flu
Check with your doctor.
Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid using alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Consider using over-the-counter medicines such as Tylenol, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve symptoms. Children younger than 19 years old should not be given aspirin to treat the flu.
Stay home from work or school until you have been fever-free (temperature less than 100.4ºF/38ºC) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If you have any questions about the flu or flu vaccine, call the HEALTH Information Line
(401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711) or visit www.health.ri.gov. I wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season.
Sincerely,
Michael Fine, M.D.
Director of Health
