Influenza Vaccine. Photo: AJ Cann, Creative Commons, some rights reserved
State health officials say this year’s strain of the flu is “prevalent” across New York now and they urge people to get the flu vaccine ahead of the holidays.
The latest state Department of Health data shows there are 17,783 positive flu cases statewide. The number of influenza-related hospitalizations nearly doubled to 413.
The state is requiring health care workers who haven’t yet gotten the influenza vaccine to wear a mask in areas where patients and residents are present.
This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Health officials say it’s not too late to get the shot. Even when the vaccine does not prevent infection, it can help protect against serious complications, including hospitalization and death. The flu vaccine is available to anyone 6 months or older.
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