CAPITAL REGION Flu cases ‘widespread’ in state, but number isn’t remarkable BY PAM ALLEN Gazette Reporter
New York is one of only four states in the country to report widespread influenza so far this season, but the numbers aren’t cause for alarm. “Widespread” doesn’t mean that the illness is spreading quickly — it means that cases have been reported across a wide area. Even though the number of infected persons has increased in recent weeks, this year isn’t shaking out to be anything special, health authorities say. “I think we’re probably on track for an average flu season,” said Terry Stortz, Saratoga County’s director of preventive health services. Health experts urge people who haven’t received a flu shot to obtain one anyway, as the season is just starting to peak. Outbreaks can continue into early May. In the Capital Region, Albany and Schoharie counties have not reported any cases of the illness. Schenectady and Montgomery counties reported their first cases Friday, while Saratoga, Fulton, Rensselaer and Warren counties confirmed their first cases last week. Montgomery and Washington counties reported cases earlier in the season, according to the state Health Department. In all, 44 of the state’s 62 counties and all of New York City’s five boroughs have confirmed cases of the seasonal virus, said Claire Pospisil, Health Department spokeswoman. Influenza became widespread in New York state during the week of Jan. 12, a few weeks earlier than last year’s date of Feb. 3. One reason could be the warmer temperatures that prevailed during the earlier part of last winter. Colder temperatures set in much earlier this year. “Influenza likes those cooler, drier conditions,” said Kathy Sen, supervising community health nurse and communicable disease specialist for Saratoga County. County health departments are still offering flu shots, as are most private physicians’ offices. The injection takes two weeks to kick in, and this year’s vaccines offer protection from three different influenza strains. More than 115 million doses of the vaccine were made available, and there should be enough available for anyone who wants the shot, said Curtis Allen, a spokesman with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only about 40 percent of the people considered at risk for the flu are actually vaccinated. At-risk individuals are older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions. It’s also important that pregnant women in all trimesters and people who are in contact with high-risk individuals be inoculated, Allen said. Typically, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the population comes down with the flu each year. On average, 36,000 people a year die from complications of influenza. Most of those are 65 and older, he said. In New York each year, there are approximately 2,300 deaths and 13,000 hospitalizations related to influenza, Pospisil said. The toughest flu season in recent years was the winter of 2003-04, which was considered a “moderately severe” season. About 15 percent of the population was infected with the flu during that time, Allen said. The last three winters produced mild or moderate flu outbreaks. Symptoms of influenza can include fever, chills, severe headache and muscle aches, as well as coughing or sore throat. The other states so far this season with widespread influenza include Colorado, Hawaii and Texas. To date, there have been no reported pediatric influenza deaths in New York. It could not be determined late Friday if any other age groups have incurred deaths because of the virus.
Oh yes the flu season is here and I got it! I will tell you that it knocked me flat on my a**! My husband, who had the flu shot, came down with it last Thursday and was back to work the following Wednesday. I, who did not have the flu shot, came down with it Sunday and I'm still not back to work. The 103+ temps along with the uncontrollable chills, body/muscle pain, drenching sweats and no appetite are now thankfully gone. Leaving me only with a sinus infection, some chest congestion and the feeling of being run over by a truck. OH, and I can't taste ANYTHING! Funny but whatever I eat or drink, all I can tell if it is hot or cold. Weird, huh? Now that's a diet for ya!
So I went to the doctors today and was prescribed an antibiotic for the sinus infection. On the way home I stopped at Dunkin Donuts and ordered a hazelnut coffee to go. (it's my favorite) I thought it would wake up my taste buds, but it didn't. Maybe next time. At least the doctor told me that I am not contagious any more. As long as there is no temp, than I am not contagious. So now I can go back to breathing on people!
Logged
