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Maine Public interviewed Dora Anne Mills, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, SWAG��Ƶ vice president for Clinical Affairs and director for the Center for Excellence in Health Innovation, about this year’s flu season, which is quickly building in momentum.

The number of outpatient medical visits and hospitalizations is currently on the rise, with more widespread illness anticipated as the season progresses. “The numbers are tiny right now, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg,” said Mills. “They’re just telling you there’s an iceberg there.”

“This is the time to get a flu shot,” she advised. Although New England is not currently in peak flu season, other parts of the country, including the southeast, are already reporting a high number of cases.

“People from those areas are getting ready to travel for the winter holidays, and they’ll bring flu with them,” Mills said. “Once it’s here, it’ll spread like a brushfire.”

Mills stressed the importance of getting vaccinated, particularly to prevent the elderly and vulnerable populations from getting sick. “If you’re not excited about getting vaccinated yourself, do it for the people you love,” she urged.

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To learn more about the Center for Excellence in Health Innovation, visit: www.une.edu/academics/centers-institutes/center-excellence-health-innovation

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions