AUGUSTA – Influenza has been confirmed in all 16 Maine counties and is now classified as widespread across the state. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reminds residents and visitors to get vaccinated and take proper precautions to stay healthy.
So far during this influenza season, which began in the fall of 2019 and will continue into the spring, 90 people in Maine have been hospitalized with influenza and 1,287 positive influenza tests have been reported. This is likely an under representation of the true number of those infected with influenza, or flu, throughout the state. Nationally, it is estimated that more than 6.4 million people have been infected since late September 2019.
Flu viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Seasonal influenza symptoms include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, influenza can result in more severe symptoms. So far this season, Maine has recorded six flu-related deaths.
“Influenza is unpredictable and, in some cases, deadly,” said Nirav D. Shah, Director of the Maine CDC. “The most effective way to prevent the spread of influenza is to get vaccinated, and it’s not too late to get a flu shot.”
Influenza vaccination is recommended each year for anyone 6 months of age and older. Vaccination can reduce a person’s risk of contracting the illness, and subsequent doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to influenza. The influenza vaccine can also reduce the severity of the illness, should a vaccinated person contract influenza. Studies show the influenza vaccine saves children’s lives, prevents serious events associated with chronic lung disease, diabetes, and heart disease, and prevents influenza-related hospitalization among working-age and older adults.
Maine CDC suggests four simple steps to reduce the spread of the illness:
- Wash your hands.
- Cover your cough.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Get vaccinated.
For more information on influenza, please visit: www.maineflu.gov
To find the nearest influenza vaccination options , please visit: www.vaccinefinder.org/
