The Rhode Island Department of Health is urging Rhode Islanders to take precautionary measures as emergency rooms are flooded will flu patients.
The Department of Health has opened several free flu clinics for Rhode Islanders looking to get vaccinated.
The following are the dates, times and locations of the clinics:
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1/10
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South Kingstown
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Curtis Corner Middle School
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301 Curtis Corner Road
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4:00PM-7:00PM
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1/10
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Cumberland
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Dave's Marketplace
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2077 Diamond Hill Road
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1:00PM-4:00PM
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1/10
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Smithfield
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Dave's Marketplace
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371 Putnam Pike
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1:00PM-4:00PM
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1/10
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Warwick
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Dave's Marketplace
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18 Airport Road
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1:00PM-4:00PM
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1/15
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East Greenwich
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Archie R. Cole Middle School
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100 Cedar Avenue
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4:00PM-7:00PM
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1/15
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Pawtucket
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Joseph Jenks Junior High School
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350 Division Street
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4:00PM-7:00PM
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1/16
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North Kingstown
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North Kingstown High School
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150 Fairway Drive
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4:00PM-7:00PM
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1/16
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Cranston
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Western Hills Middle School
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400 Phenix Avenue
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4:00PM-7:00PM
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1/17/
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North Smithfield
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North Smithfield Middle School
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1850 Providence Pike
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4:00PM-7:00PM
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In addition Concentra Urgent Care will offer free flu vaccinations to all walk in patients. There are locations at:
400 Bald Hill Road, Warwick, RI
2140 Mendon Road, Cumberland RI
400 Putnam Pike, Smithfield RI
290 Branch Ave, Providence RI
Information from the Rhode Island Department of Health
Who should get vaccinated
In March 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended universal seasonal flu vaccination for people 6 months of age and older. It is especially important for the following groups to be vaccinated:
- Healthcare workers
- Children and teens 6 months to 19 years old
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age or older
- Nursing or group home residents
- Persons with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, anemia, blood disorders, or weakened immune systems
- People who live with or care for those at high risk of flu-related complications (more)
When to Seek Medical Care about the Flu
Most people who get the flu will have mild illness and will recover without needing medical care or antiviral drugs. Consider calling your doctor for advice if you get sick with flu-like symptoms and:
Your doctor can advise you over the phone if you need to come in for an appointment or start taking antiviral drugs. Calling first may let you avoid an unnecessary visit and will help keep doctors' offices from becoming overwhelmed. It will also reduce the number of people who spread the flu to others in waiting rooms. People who do not need to be seen by a doctor can be treated for the flu at home.
Emergency Warning Signs
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.
Children
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish color on skin or around mouth and lips
- Dehydration (no tears, dried lips and mouth, not drinking enough fluids)
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
- Fever with a rash
Adults
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Flu Information For People at Risk of Flu-Related Complications
People with certain health conditions may have more severe illness from the flu. Flu vaccination is especially important for these groups. Children younger than five years old and seniors older than 65 years of age are at higher risk of complications from the flu. Particular health conditions that increase the risk of flu-related complications include:
- Pregnancy
- Chronic lung disease (e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney, liver, and blood disorders
- Neurological and neuromuscular disorders
- Weakened immune systems (e.g. from HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy)
- Other health conditions
What You Can Do During a Flu Outbreak
- Seek medical attention if you have flu-like symptoms.
- Keep taking any regular medications if you get sick with the flu. Talk with your doctor about having a two-week supply on hand in case you get sick.
- Limit contact with crowds and crowded spaces and avoid close contact (within six feet) of household members who are sick.
- Take antiviral medications if recommended and get your seasonal flu vaccine.
- Keep the following information with you at all times:
- Your doctor's name, phone number, and address;
- A written record of your medical condition(s) and current treatment
- A typed list of all medications taken, the times of day they are taken, any allergies, and any necessary medical supplies and equipment.
Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry
The Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry provides a reliable system for the identification of Rhode Islanders who may require special assistance during emergencies. If needed during a response to a flu outbreak, HEALTH may use the registry to identify high-risk individuals and send emergency alert information to enrollees. Rhode Island adults and children with disabilities, chronic conditions, and special healthcare needs are urged to enroll in the registry.
MORE FLU INFORMATION CLICK HERE.
