It’s ridiculous and sad that there’s an influenza epidemic in the United States when we have the means to limit it.
As we’ve been reporting, flu cases continue to rise statewide, and a Bassett Healthcare Network doctor is urging people to get vaccinated.
The state Department of Health announced Friday, Dec. 26, that the 71,123 flu cases reported in the week ending Saturday, Dec. 20, marked the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a week since 2004, when the flu was made reportable. That represents a 38% spike from the week prior, according to the DOH website.
As of that day, there were 189,312 flu cases reported statewide throughout this season. Flu-related hospitalizations reached 3,666 in New York, up 63% from 2,251 in the previous week.
That’s what happens when our healthcare system is in the hands of people whose agenda is about something other than health.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — a man with no discernible qualifications for the job he holds — has done much to undermine confidence in vaccines and, thus, has undermined the health of our nation. His recent rollbacks of recommended childhood vaccines are time bombs that are likely to hit hard in the future.
Here in the present, though, we’re already seeing the effects of the inmates being put in charge of the asylum.
“We are having a more severe flu season than prior years,” NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “There is still time to get a flu shot and remember, flu can be treated with antiviral medication if started within 48 hours of symptom onset and your doctor deems appropriate.”
A major factor is a decline in vaccination rates since the Covid pandemic amid skepticism over vaccines. Just 24.2% of New York state residents have gotten the influenza vaccine as of Dec. 31, according to state data.
Fewer vaccinations equal more illness.
McDonald encouraged New Yorkers to protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and “practicing everyday preventive measures. Flu is treatable for high-risk people with antiviral medicine, if taken within 48 hours of symptoms.”
It’s good advice; those with the flu should limit contact with other people until the fever is gone and they are feeling better. If they are going anywhere with people who have any flu symptoms, they should opt to wear a mask.
Just as with most viral illnesses, people are most infectious at the beginning, even if they do not feel the sickest. The amount of virus shed goes down daily, and the risk of spreading is significantly less after several days, even if someone is still somewhat symptomatic.
Still, you should be doing good hand hygiene, wearing a mask and staying away from anybody who is particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases.
That last part is key. Some may be able to “tough out” an illness, but still spread it to those who can’t.
Immunocompromised or elderly individuals, especially, can die from the disease, he said, so it is best to get checked early if some of these symptoms are persistent.
Wearing a mask and washing hands are essential at this time of year, especially at large gatherings.
Do those things, and ignore RFK Jr. and his ilk. Get vaccinated. It’s not too late.