New Yorkers are being urged to get vaccinated against influenza as flu activity remains elevated across the state. The New York State Department of Health says vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
“This is going to be a long, hard flu season,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “While hospitalizations dipped slightly last week, numbers are still higher than last year’s peak. Vaccination is still the best protection, and if you do get the flu, prescription treatment within the first 48 hours can be very effective.”
Flu symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue, and, in children, vomiting or diarrhea.
For the week ending January 3, the state recorded 4,228 flu-related hospitalizations, a 7% decrease from the previous week. There were also 28,544 reported cases of flu, a slight drop from the week before.
The Department of Health says it is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu shots are widely available for anyone six months of age and older. New Yorkers can view the latest surveillance data through the state’s Flu Tracker and Respiratory Surveillance Reports, updated weekly on Fridays.
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