ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Medical leaders in the Rochester region are warning the community about an early arrival of the flu season and a new flu strain.
In Monroe County, 410 people had confirmed flu cases for the week ending in Nov. 29. That’s a 51% increase compared to the week before. You can see the latest flu numbers on the state’s Flu Tracker.
Doctors say the new strain of the flu came out after this year’s flu shots, but if you already got vaccinated, you are still covered. The new strain may spread slightly faster and cause more symptoms, but getting the flu shot will help protect you from getting the flu and from spreading it to others.
At Strong Memorial Hospital, doctors say they had about six flu patients a week and a half ago. As of Monday, they’re at 23.
It’s not just the flu that doctors are talking about – they want people to also bear in mind COVID-19 vaccines are still important. There are about 15 patients at Strong with COVID-19. Doctors say current numbers tell them we can expect a moderate to severe flu season this year. Dr. Michael Apostolakos, chief medical officer at UR Medicine, said now is the time to get the vaccine.
“As mentioned, one of the biggest ways we can reduce the risk of getting influenza, spreading influenza and becoming sick from influenza is to get the vaccine,” Apostolakos said.
Dr. Rob Mayo, chief medical officer at Rochester Regional Health, said this the flu is not only isolated to the Rochester community, but it is affecting the state at large.
Doctors also mentioned how stressed healthcare systems already are. Emergency rooms are busy, especially this time of year. So when more people get their flu and COVID-19 shots, that opens up more space in the hospital for doctors to see other patients.
If you’re experiencing things like shortness of breath, chest pain or you’re not able to keep fluids down – doctors say head to the emergency room. Otherwise, they’re encouraging people to seek alternative forms of healthcare – urgent care, a primary care physician or even a virtual visit.
If you’re not sure if your symptoms warrant a trip to the emergency room – doctors say it’s worth checking with your primary care physician first.
Rochester health leaders warn about early start to flu season and new strain WHEC.com.
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