CARMEL – Putnam County has the dubious distinction of ranking first in influenza cases compared to all other counties in New York State.
The State Department of Health reported on Christmas-eve for the week ending December 20, Putnam’s rate was 918 cases per 100,000, the typical way in which flu case numbers are counted and reported.
The incidence rate is not only the highest in the state, but also 61 percent higher than the next highest county, Nassau County on Long Island.
Putnam Health Director Rian Rodriguez said, “more than half of Putnam’s flu cases are in children aged five through 17. During the holiday season with family and friends gathering, this rise may easily continue. We urge residents to take precautions and stay home when sick to avoid spreading germs. It is also not too late to get vaccinated, since flu season typically runs until late April or early May, and vaccines remain the best preventative measure.”
Rodriguez added that the second most vulnerable population is older adults. “Like children, senior citizens can have compromised immune systems. While infants’ immune systems are still developing, older adults have immune systems that may have changed and weakened. Staying home when sick to avoid spreading the illness is really the only advice. It is a sad situation when someone has to miss out on a holiday but recognizing that the alternative could be much worse is important.”
Residents are reminded to watch for flu symptoms in infants and the elderly who are at highest risk of serious complications and death. These symptoms include fever, runny or stuffy nose, worsening cough, body aches, headache, sore throat, tiredness, and possibly nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In children especially, and older adults as well, these symptoms can progress quickly and should be taken seriously to avoid tragic outcomes.
The health department has reached out to healthcare providers in Putnam including nurses at local schools to alert them of this rapid rise in case numbers. Residents can monitor the weekly shifts in cases of all respiratory diseases in Putnam via the online Respiratory Virus Surveillance Dashboard.
For residents with challenges accessing flu vaccines, the health department will offer the shots to both children and adults. Vaccines are also available at pharmacies and through healthcare providers.
Flu vaccines are available at no-cost for both under- and uninsured adults and children at the health department. COVID vaccines are also available for adults. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call 845-808-1332 for the nursing department at the health department. Residents with insurance can find a vaccine by visiting: