Public health officials in recent days have been calling attention to a certain respiratory illness circulating across the state – though not the same contagious viral infection you’ve heard so much about for almost four years.
This time around, it’s influenza.
In fact, state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald recently declared that influenza, or flu, is now “prevalent” in New York. Such a declaration requires unvaccinated health care workers – those who have not received this year’s flu vaccine – to wear surgical or procedure masks in facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic and treatment centers, certified home health agencies and hospices, among other settings.
Masking is necessary, McDonald said, because health care personnel are exposed to sick patients and come into close contact with those who are most vulnerable to the flu.
During the week that ended Dec. 2 – the most recent for which there is data – the state reported three flu outbreaks in hospitals and six outbreaks in nursing homes. That brings this season’s total to 41 outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes.
Also during that week, the state reported its first two influenza-associated pediatric deaths of the flu season: one in Erie County and one in New York City.
“Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu shot, as it is the best way to protect yourself and will lessen the symptoms if you do get sick,” McDonald said. “It’s not too late; get your flu shot today.”
While most people who get the flu will have mild illness and recover in two weeks or less, those aged 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions are most at risk of developing serious complications from the flu.
By the numbers
State data show a sharp rise in flu cases in recent weeks, though still much lower than the case counts seen by this time last year in what was a very early influenza season. (Flu season…
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