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DOH: Flu widespread in St. Lawrence County

Posted 1/24/18

Influenza has made inroads into St. Lawrence County and all around the state, according to the Department of Health. Cases of influenza rose by 54 percent and new cases were diagnosed in all counties …

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DOH: Flu widespread in St. Lawrence County

Posted

Influenza has made inroads into St. Lawrence County and all around the state, according to the Department of Health.

Cases of influenza rose by 54 percent and new cases were diagnosed in all counties of the state over the past week, DOH said. In addition, 1,606 New Yorkers have been hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza, the highest weekly number since DOH reporting began in 2004.

For the last six weeks, influenza has been geographically widespread across New York, including in St. Lawrence County, although no county-specific figures are available from either the state or county departments of health.

As of January 13, 17,362 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza have been reported and 5,267 people have been hospitalized with influenza in New York State this season.

Every county but one reported 10 or more cases per 100,000 people in that week.

"Influenza is a potentially deadly disease, and getting vaccinated is the best thing New Yorkers can do to protect themselves and those around them, followed by good hand hygiene," said New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "To address the high number of cases we're seeing across the state, Governor Cuomo has directed the Department of Health to work with healthcare associations to take action against the flu and coordinate on issues of hospital capacity and surge planning. I urge all New Yorkers to get vaccinated immediately."

To receive a flu shot, contact your local health care provider or pharmacy, or find information about vaccination clinics by contacting your local health department.

While influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been the most common ones circulating nationally, at times this season, influenza B has been the most common strain circulating in some areas of the state. The influenza vaccine is typically more effective against influenza B.

Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are among those at highest risk for serious influenza complications, which may require hospitalization and could result in death. Since the influenza virus can spread through coughing or sneezing, it is especially important for family members and people who have regular contact with high-risk individuals to be vaccinated.

According to the CDC, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, as long as influenza viruses are circulating. Flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, but remains the best way to prevent illness and influenza complications, including those that can lead to hospitalization. Even when flu vaccine does not prevent illness, it still lessens the severity and shortens the duration of the flu.

Influenza can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with influenza may have respiratory symptoms without a fever. CDC recommends that people who are very sick or people who are sick who are at high risk of serious influenza complications be treated early with flu antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs work best when started within two days of symptoms first appearing. There are no current shortages of antiviral drugs, and manufacturers report they expect to meet projected seasonal demands.

For more info about the flu, visit: www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal.