Long Island Sees Double Digit Increase In Flu Cases

LONG ISLAND, NY — The number of Long Islanders who have come down with the flu increased by 27 percent over the previous week — as cases continue to soar statewide. In the most recent flu activity report for the week ending Jan. 4, state health officials said there were about 10,085 cases of influenza, a 9 percent increase from the previous week, and 1,964 related hospitalizations.

Last week, both strains of the virus proved prevalent, with 5,253 cases reported for the A strain and 4,770 reported for the B strain. There were 62 cases for which the strain was unspecified.

In Nassau County, a little more than half of the 545 flu cases (up from 367 the previous week) involved the A strain, while the majority of Suffolk's 617 cases (up from 549) were the A strain.

• Nassau flu rate: 40.12 per 100,000 people (up from 27.02 last week)
• Suffolk flu rate: 41.66 per 100,000 people (up from 37.07 last week)

Overall, more than 32,800 cases around the state have been reported for this season, and flu activity level was deemed widespread for the sixth consecutive week. One child has died from the flu this season, officials said.

Only Hamilton County reported no new cases for flu for the week ending Jan. 4

Flu season mainly encompasses the period from October through May. Over the last three seasons, 20 children have died from flu, state officials said. Each season averages about 18,352 flu-related hospitalizations in the state.

Howard Zucker, the state health commissioner, previously declared flu prevalent, meaning health care workers who do not get vaccinated must wear surgical or procedure masks in areas where there are typically patients.

"Getting vaccinated remains the best way for all New Yorkers to protect against the flu, and it is vital for caregivers who come in contact with patients to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of flu," Zucker said in a news release. "The requirement that unvaccinated healthcare personnel wear a mask is intended to protect patients from getting the flu because healthcare workers can pose a risk to vulnerable patients by transmitting influenza, which often causes serious complications."

State health officials recommend everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu shot, particularly those at high risk for flu-related complications such as children under 2, pregnant women and adults over 65. People with conditions such as asthma and heart disease are also at greater risk, as are people with weakened immune systems stemming from disease or medications such as chemotherapy or chronic steroid use.

The flu virus spreads easily by coughing and sneezing.

The flu vaccine has faced criticism in recent years due to its varying rates of effectiveness. Reviews of past studies have found that, on average, the flu vaccine is about 50 percent to 60 percent effective for healthy adults between 18 and 64. But the vaccine can be less effective.

But even in cases where the vaccine doesn't completely prevent the flu, it can lessen the severity of the illness — and the risk of serious complications, according to the Mayo Clinic.

"Getting an influenza vaccine — though not 100 percent effective — is the best way to prevent the misery of the flu and its complications," the clinic wrote on its website.

It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot, which is why doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin giving out the vaccine in August. It's usually best for Americans to get the vaccine by late October.

Most health insurance plans cover flu vaccines, though people without health insurance can check with county health officials to see if local clinics will provide free or low-cost vaccines.

Click here to see where to get a flu shot near you.