Flu Declared 'Prevalent' Across NYS: Health Department

ALBANY, NY — Influenza was declared "prevalent" in New York state, NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald announced Wednesday.

The declaration requires health care workers in health care and residential facilities, as well as agencies regulated by the State Health Department, who are unvaccinated for the flu to wear surgical or procedure masks.

"My declaration that flu is prevalent across the state means health care personnel who are not vaccinated against the flu this season need to take extra precautions and wear a mask in health care facilities to avoid exposing sick patients and those most vulnerable to complications of the virus," McDonald said in a news release. "The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection and will lessen the symptoms if you get sick. I encourage everyone 6 months and older to get the flu shot, and it's not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones and ensure you don’t miss out on holiday celebrations."

Amendments to the regulations allow health care workers to remove the masks when they are accompanying patients in the community, providing speech therapy services, or communicating with people who lip read.

The department's most recent data, through Dec. 14, shows a total of 23,313 positive flu cases across 60 counties in New York have been reported this season to date.

Outside of New York City, week-over-week lab-confirmed flu cases are up 75 percent, rising from 2,058 cases in the previous week to 3,603, according to the state. In New York City, cases are up 72 percent, rising from 2,501 cases in the previous week to 4,300.

Hospitalizations due to influenza climbed by 48 percent, up from 270 in the previous week to 399 across the state, the health department shared.

Current influenza information is also available on the department's Flu Tracker, which provides timely information about local, regional and statewide influenza activity.

The flu shot is available to those 6 months and older. Those aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children, and pregnant women are "most in jeopardy of developing serious complications, which could require hospitalization and result in death," the state wrote.

To treat the flu, there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by health care providers, such as Tamiflu, which can reduce the length and severity of the illness, according to the department.

"Avoiding illness by getting the flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults," the state wrote.

According to research gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccination has "significant health advantages," particularly for people at risk of getting very sick, including:

• It prevents people from getting sick with the flu, cutting the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40 to 60 percent.
• In children, vaccine reduces the risk of severe, life-threatening flu by 75 percent; decreases flu-related hospitalizations by 41 percent; and cuts the risk of emergency department visits in half.
• Flu vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of being hospitalized by an average of 40 percent and helps protect the baby from influenza for several months after birth, when babies are too young to get vaccinated.
• For older adults, the vaccine reduces the risk of flu-associated hospitalization by about 40 percent.
• Among those with chronic health conditions, the flu shot is associated with lower rates of some cardiac events, as well as reducing the risk of hospitalization from flu-related worsening of lung diseases and diabetes.

The flu shot is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician's offices across the state. To locate a flu shot location near you, people can click here.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventative actions can help stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.