Statewide flu epidemic hits home with 200 confirmed cases in Chenango County
CHENANGO COUNTY – On Thursday the Chenango County Health Department announced 200 confirmed cases of influenza in Chenango County––more than double the amount of confirmed cases last year at this time, when the county health department had only 90 confirmed cases.
“This is a significant indicator that influenza is prevalent in our county,” said a release of behalf of the Chenango County Health Department.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order on January 25 declaring a disaster emergency in NYS in response to the seasonal influenza reaching “epidemic proportions,” with more than 25,000 confirmed cases throughout the state.
The Chenango County Health Department is encouraging those who haven't already to contact their local healthcare provider, pharmacy, or local health department to receive a flu shot.
“The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs,” said the release from the county health department. “It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.”
Cuomo's executive order expands access to immunize children, allowing pharmacists who are permitted to vaccinate those who are 18 and older to also administer flu vaccines to children aged two to 18. It does not, however, authorize that anyone under the age of two be vaccinated, nor does it authorize anyone be vaccinated without their consent or the consent of their guardians.
Another way to help ensure you don't contract the flu is by practicing proper hand washing. The county health department said experts believe flu viruses are spread primarily when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks in close proximity with another individual.
“You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick,” said the release, adding that people can infect others both before and after symptoms develop. “Some people, especially children and people with a weakened immune system, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.”
Symptoms of the flu include any or all of the following symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea––which is more common in children than adults, according to the county health department.
The release continues, “Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.”
Infants aged zero to six months also have an additional risk because they are too young to receive the vaccine.
For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.
AP photo
“This is a significant indicator that influenza is prevalent in our county,” said a release of behalf of the Chenango County Health Department.
New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order on January 25 declaring a disaster emergency in NYS in response to the seasonal influenza reaching “epidemic proportions,” with more than 25,000 confirmed cases throughout the state.
The Chenango County Health Department is encouraging those who haven't already to contact their local healthcare provider, pharmacy, or local health department to receive a flu shot.
“The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs,” said the release from the county health department. “It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.”
Cuomo's executive order expands access to immunize children, allowing pharmacists who are permitted to vaccinate those who are 18 and older to also administer flu vaccines to children aged two to 18. It does not, however, authorize that anyone under the age of two be vaccinated, nor does it authorize anyone be vaccinated without their consent or the consent of their guardians.
Another way to help ensure you don't contract the flu is by practicing proper hand washing. The county health department said experts believe flu viruses are spread primarily when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks in close proximity with another individual.
“You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick,” said the release, adding that people can infect others both before and after symptoms develop. “Some people, especially children and people with a weakened immune system, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.”
Symptoms of the flu include any or all of the following symptoms: fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea––which is more common in children than adults, according to the county health department.
The release continues, “Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get the flu. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health problems, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.”
Infants aged zero to six months also have an additional risk because they are too young to receive the vaccine.
For more information on the flu, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.
If you have any questions or would like more information, contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.
AP photo
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