Child Death Toll In New York Climbs Higher This Flu Season

Five children in New York have died as a result of the flu this season as the influenza activity level across the state remains geographically widespread for children for the seventh week in a row, the New York State Department of Health reports.

The most recent flu-related death occurred during the week ending Feb. 4. None of these flu-associated deaths were reported in Putnam, Rockland or Westchester counties.

Out of the 62 counties in New York, 61 counties reported positive influenza tests over the past week.

In Putnam County, the health department is tracking flu cases. As of Jan. 27 the case count was up to 151, a jump of 45 new cases over the previous week.

Statewide, the flu has been far more prevalent, earlier, this season than in 2015-16.

Thousands of Americans die from the flu, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized every year, NUMC reports.

Laboratory results showing positive influenza laboratory tests reported by the NYDOH reveal which age groups have been most affected by the flu during the 2016-17 season:

(age group, positive influenza laboratory results)

• Ages 5 to 17— 5,797
• Ages 18 to 49— 5,155
• Ages 0 to 4— 4,184
• Age 65+— 4,285
• Ages 50 to 64— 2,509

The DOH’s latest weekly flu report (week ending Feb. 4) revealed:

• There were 5,337 laboratory-confirmed influenza reports, a 2 percent increase over last week.
• Of the 1,978 specimens submitted to NYS WHO/NREVSS laboratories, 527 (26.64 percent) were positive for influenza.
• Of the 91 specimens tested at Wadsworth Center, 54 were positive for influenza and they were all influenza A (H3),
• Reports of percent of patient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI3) from ILINet providers was 10.77 percent, which is above the regional baseline of 3.00 percent.
• The number of patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza was 913, an 8 percent decrease over last week.
• There was one influenza-associated pediatric death reported this week. There have been five influenza-associated deaths this season.

After influenza was declared prevalent in New York in late December, health care workers who were not vaccinated against influenza had to wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where patients are typically present.

The height of flu season occurs from late November to March. Common flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue, according to NUMC.

There's still time, and beneficial, to get a flu shot if you haven’t already, Putnam County health officials said.

Vaccines are the best protection against the flu. NUMC says about 44 percent of American adults and almost 60 percent of children receive the flu vaccine, according to estimates.

The Department of Health recommends that everyone 6 months or older receive a flu vaccination. The vaccine is especially important for people at high risk for complications from the flu, which includes children younger than 2, pregnant women and people with preexisting conditions such as asthma, heart disease and weakened immune systems due to disease or medications such as chemotherapy or chronic steroid use. Since the flu virus can spread through coughing or sneezing, it is also important that family members and people who regularly come into contact with children, older adults and other individuals at higher risk get a flu shot.

In Dutchess County, flu vaccine is available locally at your doctors office, pharmacies, retail stores, and at the health department's Adult Clinics on Mondays, by appointment at 845-486-3535 or clinics@dutchessny.gov.

For information on receiving a flu shot at an Orange County Health Department office please call 291-4300 or click here.

Rockland residents can call the Rockland County Department of Health at (845) 364-2520 to make an appointment to get your flu vaccine.

In Ulster, call the Department of Health flu hotline at 845-340-3093.

Westchester County officials continue to offer flu vaccine in Friday immunization clinics. The location alternates between White Plains and Yonkers. Click here for the clinic schedule.

For additional information about the flu, including how it is monitored in New York State, visit the Department of Health website.

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