Andrew Cuomo, the Governor of New York, has recently declared a public health emergency because of this year’s widespread flu season. Cuomo issued an order allowing pharmacists to give flu shots to people 18 years and younger.
All 57 counties and all five boroughs of New York City have reported cases of the flu. 19,000 cases have already been reported statewide, which is four times the amount from last year at this time.
Flu season usually peaks in late January or February and ends in late May.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall effectiveness of the vaccine is about 62%, which means you are 60% less likely to get the flu if you are vaccinated.
Remember:
It’s not too late to get vaccinated with either a nasal spray or an injection.
The antiviral drug, Tamiflu, lessens the severity and shortens the infection.
Frequent hand-washing can fight infection.
Avoid sick people as much as possible.
Cough into a tissue or into your sleeve if you feel the need to cough.
If you have the flu or symptoms of the flu, protect others by staying home.
Source: www.cdc.gov
