The New York State Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated as influenza cases see a significant uptick.
In Monroe County alone, health authorities report over 1,000 confirmed flu cases this week, marking a 20% increase from the previous week. Despite the rise in cases, hospitalizations have seen a slight decrease of 2%.
Monroe County currently ranks second in Western New York for flu prevalence, with 23 confirmed cases, most of which are identified as Influenza A. Erie County leads with 58 confirmed cases. However, these numbers are still far below last season’s peak, where the state experienced over 52,000 cases at its peak.
Health officials, referring to this time as the “respiratory virus season,” are emphasizing the importance of vaccinations against not only the flu but also RSV and COVID-19.
NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald highlighted the convenience of receiving the updated COVID-19 vaccine alongside the flu shot. With the approaching holiday season, officials aim to ensure that gatherings are not disrupted by preventable illnesses. Residents can find vaccine locations and further information on Vaccines.gov.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].