Log in Subscribe

Stay healthy in flu season

Posted 12/16/22

Flu season is here again and it seems likely to stay with us for some time. Here in the United States, flu season typically takes place in late fall and winter months. While influenza viruses …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Stay healthy in flu season

Posted

Flu season is here again and it seems likely to stay with us for some time. Here in the United States, flu season typically takes place in late fall and winter months. While influenza viruses spread year-round, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that flu activity usually hits a peak between December and February.

   As reported in the Democrat earlier this month, some people were experiencing long wait times at urgent care locations due to high patient volume.  At the time, this was mostly due to an increase in respiratory illnesses including COVID, Flu and RSV in patients of all ages.  In fact, a recent report from the New York State Department of Health (November 19) confirmed a 23 percent increase in flu hospitalizations state wide. 

Here in Sullivan County, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have thankfully remained low, although there were around 223 cases of Influenza A, one Influenza B and six unspecified in the County for the month of November.   This is high from prior years and is part of a  statewide trend.  

Fortunately there are many precautions one can take to stay healthy this season. Keep your hands clean by washing them with soap and water whenever you can; Cover a sneeze or cough with your elbow; Avoid touching your face and keeping the environment around you clean can all help to reduce the number of respiratory illnesses. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly encourages seasonal flu vaccination for all people 6 months of age and older. Receiving a seasonal flu vaccination can be especially important for pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions – such as asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions.

While vaccinations do not prevent you from becoming ill 100 percent of the time, they can certainly lessen the severity of symptoms as well as reduce the risk of complications, hospitalizations and even death.

A little risk prevention can go a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy and safe this season.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here