Milford has 50 Confirmed Cases of Flu, Vaccine in Demand

The town of Milford had three flu clinics in October, but will not be able to schedule one this week as flu vaccine is being directed to pediatricians.

The flu has hit at least 50 people in Milford, a number that reflects confirmed cases, according to information from the state Department of Public Health. The illness is likely affecting many more people, whose sickness would not be reflected in the state number if they did not seek treatment through a physician, said Milford Health Agent Paul Mazzuchelli. Last year at this time, Mazzuchelli said, Milford had about 12 to 15 confirmed cases. The flu outbreak nationally is in 47 of 50 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and is among the worst in years. In Boston, where the mayor declared a public health emergency, several deaths have been attributed to the flu. Milford had three free flu shot clinics in October, and …

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CDC Says the Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Milford

Here's where to get an influenza vaccine, how to recognize symptoms and what to know about treatment if you get sick.

Flu season is coming early in parts of the United States: This time last year, flu cases were lower in the Boston-area than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Milford-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Massachusetts, activity is considered high now, while it was considered low at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in and near Milford that offer the vaccine (besides your own doctor, of course): Stop & Shop Pharmacy, 196 E. Main St., Milford Rite Aid, 5 Medway Rd., Milford Target Pharmacy, 250 Fortune Blvd., Milford For more locations, enter your zip code into the widget in this article. According to this week's CDC Flu …

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Health Happenings

Have You Had Your Flu Shot Yet?

Whether you are a regular to the flu vaccine or an “I never get it” kind of reader, the total vaccine story may not be one you’ve ever stopped to investigate.

"What are your thoughts on the flu vaccine?" is a question I am asked daily. It truly comes down to informed consent and personal philosophy. We live in a country with much propaganda for vaccines. I was checking out at Rite Aid this week and I heard the cashiers asking all the customers if they had received the flu shot yet.  If someone responded with “No,” the employee would say “our pharmacy has them and it is free with your insurance, you really need to get one so you won’t get the flu.” … and a column was born. At this time of year everyone in the family over 6 months old is encouraged to have the influenza vaccine. This recommendation is about 12 years old. Before then, only those 65 and over and very ill people were encouraged to be…

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