This newsletter from the Somerville Health Department provides information on upcoming health topics. It welcomes readers and encourages community involvement. The first issue discusses the upcoming flu season, noting that flu season typically runs from late fall to early spring. It recommends getting the flu shot as the most effective way to prevent the flu for those over 6 months. Children ages 6 months to 8 years may need two doses due to their immune system. An annual flu shot is needed as flu viruses change each year.

1. Somerville Health
Department Newsletter
October 2010 Volume 1, Number 1
In This Issue Welcome!
• The upcoming flu season This new monthly e-newsletter from Somerville’s Health Department is our
way of reaching out to MRC members and the larger Somerville community to
• Bed bugs help keep people informed about current health issues and provide useful
• Food poisoning and the information about Emergency Preparedness. We hope to make this an
recent egg recall interactive newsletter by encouraging readers to respond to articles and have
their input on future ideas for the newsletter.
News Corner Each month 2 to 3 health topics will be discussed. There will also be a
• Vote and Vax “news corner” with up-to-date information about what’s going on at
Somerville’s Health Department including upcoming events and projects. Visit
www.somervillema.gov/health for the most up to date information from the
Health Department.
The Upcoming Flu Season
Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease that is
spread by coughing, sneezing, and nasal secretions.
Flu season is considered to start in late fall and
continue through early spring. The peak of flu
season is usually during the fall and winter months
but can be in April or May. Symptoms of the flu
include: fever, sore throat, cough, headache, chills,
muscle aches, and fatigue.
The flu shot (along with regular hand washing)
CDC-Seasonal Influenza is the most effective way to prevent the flu and is
Click on the link above for: recommended for everyone older than 6 months.
detailed information about
the flu, advice for parents, Typically, children ages 6 months to 8 years should
and people at high risk
receive 2 doses of the vaccine due to their less mature immune system.
Consult with your doctor to determine what is best for your child.
An annual shot is necessary because influenza viruses are constantly
changing and each year scientists try to match the vaccine to the viruses most
likely to cause flu that season by monitoring the “flu season” in the Southern
Hemisphere which precedes ours. It is important to get the flu shot as soon as
it is available to ensure protection if the season starts early.
People should talk with their doctor if they have any severe, life-
threatening, allergies before getting the flu shot.
Hand washing and maintaining good personal hygiene is important in
preventing the spread and contraction of the flu.
Information from CDC: Inactivated Influenza Vaccine, Aug. 2010; Morbidity
and Morality Weekly Report, July 2010)