Seasonal influenza activity is high across the state and residents should take precautions not to fall ill, the Maine Centers for Disease Control announced on Wednesday.
Maine has reported 912 flu-related hospitalizations this season, as compared with 467 this time last year during the 2023-24 season, 850 in the previous year and 42 in the year before that.
Last week was the fourth consecutive week with more than 100 cases, and recent data show that one in 10 emergency room visits in Maine are related to flu-like illness, according to the CDC.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent or lessen the severity of the flu and related complications, the CDC said, adding that it’s not too late to get a flu shot this season.
The Maine CDC additionally recommends these strategies to avoid getting sick or spreading the virus:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects.
For more information about the flu and prevention tips, please visit maineflu.gov. To find the nearest location to get a flu vaccine, contact your local pharmacy or health care provider.