In N.Y., schoolkids getting most cases of flu this season according to : Times Union

In N.Y., schoolkids getting most cases of Flu this season Schoolchildren account for most cases in New YorkSchool-age children are getting hit with the Flu this year more than any other group of New Yorkers. As of the week ended Feb. 4, 7,538 children age 5-17 had the Flu this season, representing more than a quarter of all Flu cases. Flu cases overall have risen steadily throughout the state in the last few weeks, in keeping with the usual seasonal trend. Last year, 60 percent of patients who got the flu vaccine chose the nasal spray, Osborn said. At St. Peter's Health Center for Children in Albany, the absence of the nasal-spray option was definitely a deterrent to getting children inoculated against flu, said pediatrician Dr. Mark Osborn.




State health officials say the number of people who have died from the flu this season is up to 172, making it the deadliest flu season since 2010. Pierce County reported 34 deaths, Snohomish County reported 33, and Clark County reported 16. The state cautioned that the actual number of flu deaths may be higher because flu deaths can be underreported. The Washington State Department of Health began recording flu deaths in 2010. King County reported 35 deaths, the most of any county.

The flu is not the only illness spreading this cold season

As for the Flu, the best time to get a Flu shot is around October when Flu season begins. And that means cold and Flu season is still upon us. Flu season is a topic that emergency physician Dr. Sudip Bose knows all too well. For instance, antibiotics don't work on viruses, including RSV. Healthy people are still urged to get that shot – if you do catch the flu, it will be less severe.



collected by :Lucy William
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