Number Of Flu Cases Increases Sharply In New York

Cases of influenza are on the rise in the state of New York. Plus, new cases of the disease were reported in 58 out of 62 counties, according to a press release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

More than 2,100 cases of the flu were reported statewide in the week ending Dec. 22, 72 percent more than the week before, according to new figures from the state Department of Health. Some 363 people were hospitalized with influenza across the state, a 41 percent increase from the prior week, the department said.

"With an increase in flu cases in every corner of this state, I want to remind New Yorkers who have not been vaccinated against the flu that it is not too late to take this critical action," Cuomo said.

"Flu season is in full-swing, and as the number of cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones," he said.

Last January, Cuomo signed an emergency order that allowed pharmacists to give flu vaccines to children ages 2 to 18 during the 2018 flu season.

Since then, he has signed legislation codifying this order into law, meaning that anyone 2 or older can be given the flu vaccine by a pharmacist.

This flu season, the state has had 5,400 confirmed cases of influenza in 58 counties, including Long Island, the Hudson Valley and all boroughs of New York City.

There has been one influenza-associated pediatric death this season, with more than 1,300 hospitalizations.

The state has created the New York State Flu Tracker to keep the public informed of the rates of the disease in their counties.

Additionally, unvaccinated New Yorkers who want to find out where they can receive the vaccine can use HealthMap Vaccine Finder.

Enter an address or ZIP Code and select which vaccine you are looking for to come up with a list of locations offering the vaccine.

People can also contact their personal physicians about receiving flu vaccines.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said anyone who has not yet gotten the flu vaccine should get one immediately to help combat the threat to public health.

"Getting vaccinated protects you as well as the people around you," he said, "including those who are more vulnerable, like babies and young children, elderly people and people with chronic health conditions."

The health department said that, in addition to staying home when sick, it's important to practice good hand-hygiene:

• Unlike some viruses, influenza is easily killed by soap and water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use when soap and water are not available. Choose a product with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. People with the flu are infectious for up to seven days after symptoms being.

For more information on the flu, go here.

Rockland County's Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel said the best way to prevent getting the flu is to get the vaccine every year.

"It takes about two weeks after getting the flu vaccine for your body to build the antibodies — infection fighting cells — it needs to protect from the flu," she said.

"It also is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on our other vaccines, which can protect you against diseases such as measles and whooping cough," Schnabel said.

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