By Lisa Capobianco Staff Writer Flu activity has started to increase in Connecticut, classified as geographically “sporadic,” according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). As more reports of influenza outbreaks take off, the Plainville-Southington Regional Health District has tips for local residents to ensure that protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 200,000 people become hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. The CDC reports that young children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions like asthma and diabetes have high risks of flu outbreaks, recommending that an annual flu shot serves as the best protection against influenza. Children younger than six months old also have a high risk of serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated, so their caretakers should make sure they receive a vaccination. “If you have not received the flu shot yet, get one,” said Shane Lockwood, the director of the Plainville-Southington Regional Health District, which just administered its ninth flu clinic. “Read the information out there—learn about what the shot is.” Lockwood advises residents to take extra precautions, including washing their hands for 20 seconds and [...]
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