Commonwealth Conversations: Public Health

Weekly Flu Report: May 27, 2010

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As was the case two weeks ago, we are seeing a slight increase in the levels of flu-like illness, however, it is very possible that this is due to something other than the flu.

On a programming note, this will be the final weekly report for this flu season. Be sure to check back in the fall when we will start posting again. In the meantime, be sure to keep washing those hands, covering your coughs and sneezing into those elbows!

Have a wonderful and healthy summer!

 

Weekly Flu Report: May 20, 2010

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As we expected, this week's report shows that the levels of flu-like illness are back on the decline after last week's small increase and are substantially lower than what was seen at this time last year.

Weekly Flu Report: May 13, 2010

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Here is this week's flu report. Although we have seen a slight increase in flu-like illness from some of our healthcare provider reporting sites, it is difficult to say with certainty whether this increase is really the flu or other respiratory illnesses. We'll keep watching this data and in the meantime keep washing those hands and covering those coughs!

Weekly Flu Report: May 6, 2010

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As you can see in this week's report, the level of flu-like illness in the state continues to be very low and is consistent with what we would expect to see at this time of year.

Weekly Flu Report: April 29, 2010

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We are continuing to see very low levels of flu-like activity in the state. Nevertheless, DPH continues to encourage everyone to get the H1N1 vaccine as it may still be circulating at low levels. Call your local department of public health or your regular health care provider to set up an appointment today.

Weekly Flu Report: April 22, 2010

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As you can see in this week's flu report, we are continuing to see very low levels of flu-like activity in the state. Nevertheless, it's not too late to get vaccinated and there is still plenty of H1N1 vaccine available. Call your local department of public health or your regular doctor to set up an appointment today.

Weekly Flu Report: April 15, 2010

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This week we are reporting sporadic flu-like activity in the state, up from no activity for the past couple of weeks, due to a confirmed case of H1N1 (swine) flu. As we have been saying, flu can be unpredictable, so if you have not already done so, make sure to get you and your family vaccinated. Find a clinic near you at http://flu.masspro.org.

Weekly Flu Report: April 8, 2010

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Attached is this week's flu report. Once again, the levels of flu-like activity remain lower than what is expected for this time of year. Nevertheless, flu season is unpredictable and there is plenty of H1N1 vaccine still available. Find a clinic near you at http://flu.masspro.org or contact your doctor to schedule an appointment to get you and your family vaccinated.

H1N1: Lessons Learned

 Last month, over 700 public health, health care, school and community leaders joined Commissioner Auerbach at the DPH-sponsored "Responding to H1N1 Influenza: Lessons Learned" conference at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

 

 
The day- long event provided an opportunity to review lessons learned and highlight best practices from the 2009-2010 H1N1 flu season. Presenters from a variety of fields and disciplines shared their experiences on topics ranging from patient education, vaccine distribution, outreach to vulnerable populations and non-traditional partnerships.

 

 
In addition, Commissioner Auerbach presented Public Health Hero awards to thirteen organizations who took extraordinary steps during the pandemic. The ceremony was an opportunity for DPH to publicly recognize the hard work and dedication of these organizations which helped protect the health of the public and reduce the number of people who developed serious illness and the number who died.

 

Weekly Flu Update: April 1, 2010

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Here's this week's flu activity report. We continue to see lower levels of flu activity when compared to the amount of flu we typically see at this time of the year. While this is great news, it's really important to remember that flu can be unpredictable, and there are still opportunities to get an H1N1 vaccine if you haven't already done so. Check out a complete list of flu clinics at http://flu.masspro.org.