PRESS RELEASE

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein

Date: February 10, 2017                               

CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov

Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925

Influenza Cases on the Rise in Erie County

Surveillance Data Shows Number of New Cases Rising Steadily 

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Influenza has arrived in full force in Erie County, as well as in the rest of New York State. While last flu season had an uncharacteristically late peak in cases in March, this season’s flu activity has been steadily increasing since mid to late December of 2016.

“The number of positive tests for influenza (“flu”) has been increasing each week since the end of December,” says Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health (“ECDOH”).  “Our surveillance data show that flu activity is currently widespread locally, throughout New York State and most of the United States. It will likely continue to spread before we see the traditional flu season draw to a close.”

Most people with the flu will have a mild illness and can treat themselves with rest, fluids, and ibuprofen (e.g., Advil®) or acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol®). If you have the flu, stay at home and rest. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Avoid close contact with well people in your house so you do not make them sick.  Drink plenty of liquids to prevent fluid loss (i.e., dehydration) and treat fever and other symptoms with over-the-counter medication.

ECDOH urges Erie County residents to contact their health care provider or seek care at an urgent care center if they have difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or dizziness and weakness from possible dehydration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) recommends initiation of antiviral treatment as early as possible (within 48 hours of symptom onset), for those at high risk for complications:

• young children, especially those under 2 years of age
• women who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding
• people 65 years and older
• people who are immunosuppressed
• people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or other chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
• people who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications 

Antiviral therapies may reduce the severity of illness, decrease the risk of complications (including hospitalization) and shorten the duration of illness. “Contact your primary care physician or an urgent care center if you are concerned about your symptoms” said Dr. Burstein. “Emergency Departments should be utilized for true medical emergencies. Typically, flu can be treated at home.”

It is NOT too late to receive a flu vaccine, especially since this year’s vaccine has been relatively effective against the most common strains of influenza in circulation. It is especially important for certain populations at high risk for serious flu complications, as noted above, to get immunized. 

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For More Information:

Erie County Department of Health – Influenza (Flu) Information

Erie County Department of Health – Influenza Weekly Surveillance Report

New York State Department of Health Seasonal Influenza

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—Influenza Information