According to Ontario County’s Public Health Director, Mary Beer, the flu is spreading early this year.
Beer shared that this was the first year she’s seen flu activity being so widespread so early on in the season.
According to 13 WHAM, kids are starting to fall ill with the flu at a rapid pace.
One fifth grader reportedly missed Halloween for the second year in a row due to being sick with symptoms of the flu.
The student added that there have been a lot of absences among students lately due to illnesses spreading quickly and easily.
New York State Department of Health report
According to the Health Department in New York State, there are higher levels of the flu virus than normal all across the state.
Not only are they higher than normal, but they’re earlier than normal.
Beer stated that normally there is a slow progression to peak flu season, but right now it’s all happening at once and quickly spreading.
While the healthcare system is already facing staff shortages, now they’re getting sick on top of it and unable to come to work.
Beer said the flu can be treated at home most of the time, but it can be very serious for those with underlying health issues.
She shared that when someone is turning blue and very short of breath, they need to get medical attention fast.
Between Oct. 1 and Oct. 22, Monroe county reported 100 lab confirmed cases of the flu.
Four of the 100 were hospitalized.
The flu vaccine is always an option for those looking for protection from the virus.
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