Press Release

January 2, 2007

Influenza Season Arrives in Maine

AUGUSTA – The Department of Health and Human Services’ Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced that the Influenza Season has started in Maine. “We have had laboratory-confirmed cases of both Influenza A and B the past few days, including one influenza-related death,” announced Dora Anne Mills, MD, MPH, Director of the Maine CDC.

“With the re-opening of schools and many returning to work this week, it is especially important that we all heed the three basic guidelines of covering coughs and sneezes; washing hands frequently; and staying home if we’re ill, particularly with a fever,” encouraged Dr. Mills.

“It is also not too late to obtain a flu shot, and we understand that influenza vaccine is available throughout much of the state,” added Dr. Mills. Especially for those 50 years old and over, under 6 years old, or ages in between with a chronic disease or pregnancy, or if one is simply desiring a flu shot, the Maine CDC recommends people to call local health care providers, hospitals or visiting nurses’ associations to determine local flu vaccine availability.

“Good hygiene and getting a flu shot should help Maine to have a healthy winter,” concluded Dr. Mills.

For more information: www.maineflu.gov or www.mainepublichealth.gov.