Pharmacists: Time to Take the Flu Seriously

Acton Pharmacy owners Ray and Saad Dinno say it's not too late to get a flu shot.

Free Flu Clinic in Acton Today

Shots will be offered at 4 p.m.

The Acton Nursing Service will conduct a free flu clinic today from 4-7 p.m., at Town Hall, Room 204. This is a walk-in service and no appointment is necessary. The Town has listed the following facts about the influenza virus: Here are some things that will help stop the spread of the flu virus: The Centers for Disease Control has more extensive review for flu and what to do once you have it.

• Photos (1)

Is Flu Season That Bad, Or Is It Just Hype?

Flu season is upon us, and strong, officials say.

This week, the Red Cross called cases of the flu "widespread," while Boston officials on Wednesday declared the flu outbreak a public health emergency.  Is this just another flu season — akin to past winters when H1N1 or norovirus flared up? Or is it more than just a bunch of hype?  Some towns in the area are reporting that they're out of flu vaccine. Have you gotten a flu shot this year? Or do you not see the point?  Tell us what you think — is the flu getting too much hype? Or does the headline-hogging flu deserve the attention?

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

Department of Public Health: Flu Widespread in Commonwealth

Number of reported cases in Acton unknown.

Mayor Thomas Menino declared a health emergency due to Boston's flu outbreak. But Boston isn't the only part of the Commonwealth being affected. According to Ann Roach of the Department of Public Health, the issue is widespread. "It's across the Commonwealth, every region is being hit," she said. Roach did not have the number of cases reported in Acton. “It’s hard to observe on the local level," Acton Board of Health Director Doug Halley said. “We’ve had good response in return of people who have been getting the vaccine.” There were over 700 reported cases in the city this flu season, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. That's 10 times the average number of cases last year, according to WBUR.  Fortunately, there's plenty of …

• Photos (2)

The Season Is Here: Where to Get Flu Shots in Acton

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 Acton than they are now, according to data on Google's Flu Trends. (Acton Patch-specific data is not available on Flu Trends.) Overall in Massachusetts, activity is considered high now, while it was also considered high at this time in 2011, according to Flu Trends. If you're considering getting a flu shot, here are some places in Acton that offer the vaccine: According to this week's CDC Flu activity report, influenza levels are on the increase across the country.  Five states – Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee – are reporting flu rates not normally seen until January, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The …

• Photos (1)