RI Department of Health Issues Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence
GoLocalProv News Team
RI Department of Health Issues Declaration of Widespread Flu Incidence
“Flu is here in Rhode Island, and all signs indicate that this flu season is expected to be more severe than those in recent past,” said Dr. Fine.
The declaration triggers Rhode Island's regulations requiring all healthcare workers who have not been immunized against the flu to wear a surgical mask while making direct contact with patients.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTDirect patient contact is defined as routinely anticipated face-to-face contact with patients such as entering a patient's room, serving patients food or participating in group patient activities.
Symptoms of influenza can include fever, cough, head and body aches, fatigue and runny nose. Some people also have vomiting and diarrhea.
For more information on the flu or to find a vaccination clinic near you, click here.
New England's Healthiest States 2013
6. Rhode Island
Overall Rank: 19
Outcomes Rank: 30
Determinants Rank: 13
Diabetes Rank: 26
Smoking Rank: 14
Obesity Rank: 13
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. High immunization coverage among adolescents
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians
Challenges:
1.High rate of drug deaths
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in heath status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/RI
5. Maine
Overall Rank: 16
Outcomes Rank: 25
Determinants Rank: 12
Diabetes Rank: 23
Smoking Rank: 29
Obesity Rank: 28
Strengths:
1. Low violent crime rate
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Low prevalence of low birthweight
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High rate of cancer deaths
3. Limited availability of dentists
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ME
4. Connecticut
Overall Rank: 7
Outcomes Rank: 15
Determinants Rank: 4
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 4
Obesity Rank: 12
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of smoking
2. Low incidence of infectious diseases
3. High immunization coverage among children & adolescents
Challenges:
1. Moderate prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low high school graduation rate
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/CT
3. New Hampshire
Overall Rank: 5
Outcomes Rank: 7
Determinants Rank: 5
Diabetes Rank: 16
Smoking Rank: 11
Obesity Rank: 22
Strengths:
1. Low percentage of children in poverty
2. High immunization coverage among children
3. Low infant mortality rate
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2.High incidence of pertussis infections
3. Low per capita public health funding
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/NH
2. Massachusetts
Overall Rank: 4
Outcomes Rank: 14
Determinants Rank: 3
Diabetes Rank: 10
Smoking Rank: 7
Obesity Rank: 2
Strengths:
1. Low prevalence of obesity
2. Low percentage of uninsured population
3. Ready availability of primary care physicians & dentists
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. High rate of preventable hospitalizations
3. Large disparity in health status by educational attainment
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/MA
1. Vermont
Overall Rank: 2
Outcomes Rank: 12
Determinants Rank: 1
Diabetes Rank: 4
Smoking Rank: 9
Obesity Rank: 5
Strengths:
1. High rate of high school graduation
2. Low violent crime rate
3. Low percentage of uninsured population
Challenges:
1. High prevalence of binge drinking
2. Low immunization coverage among children
3. High incidence of pertussis infections
Source: http://www.americashealthrankings.org/VT
