Flu News: Updates for the 2017-2018 Season

The 2017 flu season has been described as a ‘brushfire’ according to the 12/7/17 Bangor Daily News (BDN). It was also reported as being an earlier than usual season, with confirmed cases as early as September in the 9/20/17 BDN. All 16 counties in Maine have confirmed activity, with the most cases in nearby Penobscot County. Young, otherwise healthy people, including a 20-year-old Arizona woman, (Newsweek 12/5/17) have died as a result of influenza.

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine, calling it “the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.” Other steps to avoid spreading the flu include frequent, thorough handwashing and staying home if you are sick. For more information, go to: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2017-2018.htm

If you and your family have not already been vaccinated, it’s not too late. Immunizations are available through your primary care provider, at local drug stores such as Rite Aid and Walgreen’s or at Island Family Medicine. Supervisor of Clinical Services, Julie Reed, RN-C, also known as the vaccine queen, is cheerfully quoted as saying there are, “Plenty of doses for everybody!!! Just call (367-2311) for a clinical appointment or if you walk in, we will put you in the schedule!”