Flu Services
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to death. Flu clinics are currently being offered in your area. Flu vaccinations can prevent the flu and related complications such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
Vaccine a Powerful Weapon
The single best way to protect against the everchanging flu virus is to get vaccinated each year. The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. The flu shot is approved by the FDA for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
VNA of Care New England is one of the largest providers of the flu in Rhode Island. Feel confident knowing when you receive your flu shot from us it is being administered by an experienced and knowledgeable Registered Nurse. For more information, call our flu hotline at 401-681-1102.
Symptoms of Flu
Influenza, also known as "flu" is a potentially serious disease caused by a virus. The virus spreads from infected persons to the nose and throat of others causing influenza.
Symptoms of flu include:
• fever (usually high)
• headache
• extreme tiredness
• dry cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle aches
Stomach symptoms:
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
Good Flu Health Habits Wash your hands often
The most common way to catch the flu is to touch your own eyes, nose or mouth with germy hands. So keep your hands clean, and away from your face.
Keep your distance
Stay away when you are sick or if you are around someone else who is sick.
Keep it to yourself
One gift you can give others is to help prevent other people from catching your flu. We highly recommend that you stay home from work, school and public places when you are sick. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Remember, you can still spread germs up to 7 days after getting sick. Following these simple steps for up to a week after getting sick will help to reduce the chances of spreading the flu.
Scientific Support
The American Lung Association encourages everyone at high risk, especially those with asthma and other lung diseases, to get vaccinated against the flu. If you display symptoms of the flu such as fever, chills, loss of appetite, and body aches we recommend that you see your physician as soon as possible. » Read more at lungusa.org
Schedule a Flu Clinic
If your company would like our nurses to administer seasonal flu and/or pneumonia shots to your employees, please complete the online application form or call (401) 681-1150, ext. 1132.
