The Rhode Island Department of Heath released the numbers Thursday and urged residents to get flu shots. During the last flu season, there were 39 deaths and 1,032 hospitalizations associated with the flu, according to the department. Health officials use a five-tier system to measure flu activity. The flu in Rhode Island is currently regional, which is just below widespread, the highest tier. But, the department said, neighboring Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as more than a dozen states, are reporting widespread flu. Vaccination is particularly important for the elderly, young children, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people with chronic medical conditions, according to the department.
Health officials urge flu shots as virus becomes widespread.