Gloucester Health to Take Part in Regional Flu Clinic

GLOUCESTER —Public Health Director Karin Carroll and the Gloucester Health Department are announcing a regional flu clinic organized by North Shore public health nurses next week. 

WHEN:

Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 3-6 p.m.

WHERE:

Peabody Institute Library, Gordon Room, 15 Sylvan St., Danvers

WHAT:

Public health nurses from throughout the North Shore area, including Gloucester’s public health nurse, Kelley Hiland, have come together to offer a regional flu clinic next week. 

The clinic is free an open to North Shore residents 4-years-old and older. Those attending are asked to bring their health insurance card to the clinic. 

According for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu can come on suddenly, and symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, but is more common for children than adults. 

Between 2,000-3,000 people were hospitalized with flu in the state of Massachusetts between Sept. 29, 2019 and Jan. 25 according to the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) and Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences. 

“The flu vaccine is a simple, effective way for everyone to protect themselves, and we encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to attend a free flu clinic,” Hiland. “A flu vaccine is particularly critical for those who are at a high risk for flu complications, including children, seniors, pregnant women and those with preexisting conditions.”

The Gloucester Health Department also wishes to share the following flu prevention tips from the CDC:

• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. 
• Stay home and limit contact with others when sick yourself. 
• Stay home for a minimum of 24 hours after your fever is gone, if you are sick with flu-like symptoms, except when seeking medical care or other necessities. 
• Always cover a cough or a sneeze with a tissue. Throw the tissue away afterward and wash your hands. 
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. 
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces. 

For more information from the CDC about the flu, click here. Anyone with questions about the upcoming clinic is encouraged to contact their local public health nurse. 

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