Flu Prevention Services
The flu is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and attacks the body by spreading through the upper and/or lower respiratory tract. Flu season can extend well into the spring months. If you have not already received the 2011-2012 flu vaccine, we can help.
VNA of Care New England – Your Community Health Partner
When you choose VNA of Care New England as your flu shot provider, you are choosing to support the ongoing provision of wellness activities in your community. While public clinics have ended for the season, VNA of Care New England's commitment to community health and wellness continues. Adults over the age of 19 may schedule an appointment to receive the flu shot at the VNA of Care New England office in Warwick, Rhode Island by calling 401-737-6050 and asking for extension 1140. Feel free to leave a message and one of our friendly staff will return your call.
Vaccine a Powerful Weapon
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory disease that can lead to serious complications, hospitalization, or even death. Anyone can get the flu, and vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends.
The single best way to protect against the flu virus is to get vaccinated each year. The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a small needle, usually in the arm. You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The flu shot is approved by the FDA for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
fever or feeling feverish/chills – not everyone with the flu will have a fever
coughing and/or sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
chills
fatigue
some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, although this is more common in children than adults
muscle aches
If you suspect that you have the flu, talk to your physician as soon as possible about antiviral medications. If you have been diagnosed with flu, you should stay home, follow your doctor’s orders, and watch for signs that you need immediate medical attention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever (100°F or 37.8°C) is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you.
Avoid close contact with others, especially those who might easily get the flu, such as people age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, young children, and infants.
Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after using tissues or coughing/sneezing into your hands.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, sports drinks, or electrolyte beverages made for infants to prevent becoming dehydrated.
Get plenty of rest.
Get medical attention right away if you:
Have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Experience pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Have sudden dizziness
Become confused
Have severe or persistent vomiting
Experience flu–like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Preventing the Spread of Flu Wash your hands. Second to getting the flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the spread of flu is to wash your hands often.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2011-2012 season vaccine is available. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.
Schedule a Flu Shot Clinic
If your company would like our nurses to administer seasonal flu and/or pneumonia shots to your employees, please complete the online application form or call 401-681-1150, ext. 1144.
