The Brookline Department of Public Health and Human Services reminds residents of important steps to protect themselves from contracting or spreading the flu.
As the department monitors the increasing occurrence of influenza this season, consider the following measures to help reduce its impact.
It Is Not Too Late to Vaccinate
One of the most effective ways to lower your risk of contracting the flu or experiencing severe illness is by getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccine each season.
Brookline DPHHS is still offering flu vaccines for residents who have not yet been vaccinated this season. A limited supply of high-dose flu vaccine (recommended for individuals over 65) and regular flu vaccine remains available. Walk-in appointments are available on the following days:
- Thursday, February 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Monday, February 24, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Schedule an appointment by visiting here.
Wash Your Hands
Proper handwashing is another important way to prevent the spread of illness. Practicing good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of germs, especially in high-traffic areas where frequently touched surfaces can harbor viruses.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Start by wetting your hands, then lather with soap, scrub thoroughly, rinse, and dry with a clean towel. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.
Cover Your Coughs and Sneezes
Containing germs by covering your cough or sneeze helps prevent the spread of illness. Whenever you cough or sneeze, use a tissue or your inner elbow. If you use your hands, be sure to wash them immediately.
Feeling Sick? Wear a Mask or Stay Home
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends wearing a mask, when possible, to help prevent spreading the virus to others. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, chills, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, and coughing.
If you have a fever and tested negative for CoViD-19, you may have the flu. It is recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever has resolved (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and until you are feeling better overall.
Free CoViD-19 test kits are available at the Public Health Building, 11 Pierce Street, and at any of Brookline’s three public libraries:
- Brookline Village, 361 Washington Street;
- Coolidge Corner, 31 Pleasant Street;
- Putterham, 959 West Roxbury Parkway.
While you are unwell, avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of illness. If you experience lingering symptoms in weeks following illness, seek professional medical attention.
Clean Surfaces Frequently
Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, including countertops, doorknobs, and handrails. Use a general household cleaner or soap and water to scrub surfaces. After cleaning, you can use a sanitizing spray or a diluted bleach solution for added protection.
Additional Information
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health monitors statewide influenza data and the current estimated severity of the virus is very high (week of February 1-8, 2025. Weekly severity is determined by combining three key markers of influenza activity and distribution: influenza-like illnesses, hospitalizations, and influenza-positive test results reported.
