Community Corner

Flu Cases Should Increase Very Soon in NH

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state departments of health are telling people to get shots now.

Forty-four people died of the flu in New Hampshire during the 2012-13 season, according to the New Hampshire Department of Health.

And already, the first case in New Hampshire has been identified.

"Every flu season is different and flu is very unpredictable, but I want to remind everyone that we had an unusually severe season last winter in New Hampshire and across the country," said Dr. José Montero, the state's public health director. "I encourage everyone to take steps now to get vaccinated and protect yourself and your loved ones for the season ahead."

Influenza can be a serious disease of the lungs, nose, and throat. The illness is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches. An average of 25,000 people die each year in the United States due to influenza.

The flu season usually lasts from October through May, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and DHHS recommend that everyone who is at least six months of age be vaccinated as soon as they can early in the season. The vaccine is available in the traditional shot form for people six months of age and older. Flu vaccine in a nasal mist form is available for healthy people aged 2 to 49 years who are not pregnant. Residents are encouraged to check with schools, pharmacies, their healthcare provider, or wherever is the most convenient location to be vaccinated.

Typically, flu season lasts from October to May, but it's difficult to predict when the peak will hit. Flu activity is low to moderate right now in New Hampshire, according to Google Flu Trends.

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