The number of flu-related deaths this season in Maine has reached 21, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Emily Spencer, a spokeswoman for the state agency, said the number includes people who have died from complications from flu. “This is likely an under-representation because many individuals die of secondary infections that […]
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Posted inNation / World
6 tactics for fighting the flu at home
??? Coughing, sneezing and misery are a part of many households these days as cold and flu season kicks into high gear. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say we are in the midst of a “very active” flu season in much of the country, and that the flu is widespread and intense. It’s […]
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Posted inLocal & State
Maine churches take flu precautions, urge worshippers to take hands-off approach
Maine churches are suspending traditional rituals such as sharing communion wine and shaking hands to try to prevent the spread of flu as cases of illness and hospitalizations increase rapidly around the state. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which covers all of Maine, announced Thursday that parishes would be directed to suspend the sharing […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Maine hospitals seeing surge in flu cases, mostly of more severe type
Flu season is underway, and although Maine so far is experiencing fewer cases of seasonal flu than most states, the predominant strain of influenza circulating in Maine and most of the U.S. is more severe than last year and more likely to require hospitalization. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported 373 cases […]
Posted inLocal & State
Lawmakers push to add more public health nurses
A virulent flu that reached Maine early in the autumn of 1918 quickly overwhelmed the capacity of authorities to deal with a sudden public health emergency. By early October, Lewiston and Auburn had shut down schools, churches, theaters, pool rooms and dance halls — indeed, almost everything except Bates College and key war industries — […]
Posted inLocal & State
Maine CDC: ‘There’s still a lot of flu out there’
PORTLAND — Health officials say Maine has experienced a late-season flu surge with half of the state’s influenza cases happening in the month of March. Dr. Siiri Bennett, the state epidemiologist, tells the Portland Press Herald that “there’s still a lot of flu out there.” It been a busy season compared. Through April 1, Maine […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine CDC reports flu cases in all 16 Maine counties
The Maine Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports that the flu virus has been confirmed in all of Maine’s 16 counties. This year’s influenza vaccine appears to be a good match in fighting the strains reported to be circulating in Maine, according to Dr. Siiri Bennett, the state epidemiologist. The vaccine is still available […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine reports mild flu season, warns it’s not over
PORTLAND — Health agencies are reporting fewer influenza cases in Maine, but experts warn that the flu season is far from over. Dr. Caroline Teschke, public health program manager at the India Street health clinic, tells the Portland Press Herald that the flu season is going well but they aren’t letting their guard down yet. […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Maine’s 1st case of flu reported in Sagadahoc County
AUGUSTA — The flu season has arrived in Maine. The state Health Department says the first positive Influenza A case was detected by Mid Coast Hospital late last week. It was an adult from Sagadahoc County who wasn’t vaccinated and didn’t require hospitalization. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends an annual flu […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State
Flu cases in Maine triple over last year
Maine has three times as many confirmed cases of influenza now than it did this time last year, according to new numbers from the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention. Doctors say: Wash your hands, cough smart and get the flu shot — even though the strain of flu seen most often here isn’t […]