Fairfield Prepares for 2011-2012 Flu Season

Thanks to a state grant, Fairfield continues to better prepare for the upcoming and other public health emergencies.

The Board of Selectmen Wednesday approved the transfer of funds provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to the state in a grant called the Cooperative Agreement Award for Public Health Preparedness and Response for Bioterrorism.

In other words, the town’s has money that stretches a span of three years - $55,655 per year for a total of $166,965 – to fund important preparedness and response programs for public health emergencies, like a flu outbreak, according to the proposal from the town’s health department.

“Strong state and local public health systems are the cornerstone of an effective public health response,” Director of Health Sands Cleary said in the proposal.

The funds will go toward developing the town’s Public Health Emergency Response Plan continuing to fund the following areas, among others:

• Maintenance of emergency communications to health care providers 24/7
• Boosting the town’s competency for the operation of mass vaccination sites
• Improvement of plans to address special-needs populations in the event of a public health emergency
• Advancement of methods to alleviate an outbreak, such as quarantine and social distancing.

In addition to the Board of Health’s ability to prepare the town for severe cases of flu outbreaks, everyone can take part in flu preparedness.

October marks the beginning for flu season, according to the CDC, and it peaks around February. Get ahead of influenza and prepare now.

Look Out for Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the seasonal flu, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), are:

• Fever
• Nonproductive cough
• Aching muscles
• Sore throat

The illness is most serious in elderly residents, infants and those with long-term illnesses, according to the DPH.

Learn About Prevention

The best way to prevent catching and spreading the flu is to get vaccinated, according to the DPH.

Other methods of prevention include covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, washing hands with soap and water frequently, avoiding others who are sick and staying home from work or school if you contract the illness, the DPH says.

Since flu vaccinations have become readily available in Fairfield, take advantage. Here’s a list of pharmacies offering flu clinics every day:

• CVS Pharmacy, 700 Post Road; open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 6 pm.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• CVS Pharmacy, 1770 Kings Highway, open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• , 961 Black Rock Turnpike at the corner of Jennings Road; open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• , Fairway Plaza 1968 Black Rock Turnpike; open 24/7
• , 1619 Post Road; open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• , 740 Villa Ave; open everyday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.