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Flu Outbreak

Monday, January 14, 2013

Red Cross Offers Tips for Preventing Flu in Kids

Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.

The following information is from the Red Cross:  Health officials are reporting widespread influenza outbreaks in 47 of 50 states, up from just a week ago. One age group hit particularly hard is children, and the American Red Cross has some steps parents can teach their kids to help them avoid getting sick.  WASHING HANDS Kids have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses. Parents should teach children proper hand washing techniques and how to correctly cover coughs or sneezes. Wash hands withsoap and warm water. When using soap and water: If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: SAFETY STEPS The most important thing parents can do is get children six months of age or oldera flu vaccine as recommended by the Centers for Disease …

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Department of Health Offers Advice for High Flu Season

The Red Cross says that flue outbreaks are earlier than normal in the area.

Flu season is upon us. Alan Balsam, Director of Public Health and Human Services, said that there have been 37 confirmed cases of influenza in Brookline. “I imagine there are more than just 37 people with the flu, but usually people fight it on their own. These cases are the ones that have been reported and people have been seen by doctors.” Boston Mayor Thomas Menino declared a health emergency due to Boston's flu outbreak. There were over 700 reported cases in the city this flu season, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. That's 10 times the average number of cases last year, according to WBUR. For Brookline, 37 cases is higher than normal, almost double the numbers from last year, but Balsam said it is “nothing to panic …

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