NYC Flu Rates: Health Officials Warn of Alarming Circulation

Despite a‌ recent decline, the influenza virus continues to circulate at important levels throughout New York City, health authorities report. Understanding the⁤ current flu season ‍ and taking preventative measures‌ is crucial for protecting yourself ‍and your ⁣community.

Dr. Michelle Morse, acting commissioner of the city’s Department of Health, noted that the⁣ number of confirmed cases already ⁤exceeds totals from the previous two flu seasons. “As of the​ week ⁢ending January 3rd,⁢ over⁣ 128,000 New Yorkers have tested⁢ positive for influenza this season,” Dr.Morse stated.

Impact ⁢on Healthcare Facilities

Local pharmacies and urgent‌ care centers ⁢are experiencing‍ a noticeable strain due to the increased demand for flu-related care. ⁢ ralph Ekstrand, a⁤ pharmacist with 45 years of experience,‌ described ⁤this season as one ⁢of the ​most ⁤challenging he’s encountered.

At Moby Drugs in Farmingdale,‌ the demand for both prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies has surged,⁤ leading to a complete sell-out of at-home flu⁢ tests. “We’ve processed nearly 90 prescriptions in just three ⁢hours, with approximately 20 specifically for influenza cases,” Ekstrand explained.

CityMD⁤ locations across ⁢New York City are also reporting a roughly ‍30% increase in patient volume, largely attributed to the rise in flu infections. Dr. Jason idelson, CityMD’s clinical ​chief, ‌strongly encourages ‍individuals experiencing symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.

“Effective ⁣antiviral​ medications are available, and when administered within the first 48 hours of symptom‍ onset, they ⁢can significantly reduce the severity and duration of illness, ‌and importantly, ​lower the risk​ of hospitalization,”‌ Dr. Idelson ‍emphasized.

Recognizing flu Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines a range ⁣of symptoms associated​ with the flu, varying from mild to severe. ‍Common indicators​ include:

• Fever
• Cough
• sore ⁢throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Muscle aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• In some ⁤cases,vomiting and diarrhea

Did You Know?​ ⁣ The flu virus is constantly ‌evolving,which is why annual vaccination is‍ so important. new strains emerge each year, and the vaccine is updated to ​provide ⁢the best possible protection.

The importance of Vaccination

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