With the number of flu cases skyrocketing around the county, the New York City health commissioner is urging New Yorkers to protect themselves as the season progresses.
"Influenza activity in New York City is increasing and we encourage any New Yorkers who have not received their flu vaccination to do so immediately," said Dr. Thomas Farley, the commissioner. "Outbreaks have been reported in nursing homes and because flu can be particularly dangerous in the elderly, we urge nursing homes in New York City to vaccinate their staff and residents, restrict visits by potentially sick family members, and respond quickly to any possible case of flu in their facility."
Dr. Farley is asking New Yorkers who experience flu symptoms to go to their doctors first rather than seek care at emergency rooms, which are being inundated with patients.
Drug stores, most doctors' offices, and Health Department immunization clinics offer flu vaccination. To find one, call 311 or click on the city's flu clinic locator.
For example, most CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, and Rite Aid locations offer flu shots to the public. Costco and Target stores that have pharmacies also offer vaccines. Some independent pharamcies and neighborhood clinics also sell the flu shot.
Across the U.S., 29 states and New York City are reporting high numbers of influenza-like cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. New York State is experiencing what the CDC calls "widespread" flu activity.
This season's flu activity is already nearing peak levels of moderately severe seasons -- and this season hasn't peaked yet, the CDC reported.
"While we can't say for certain how severe this season will be, we can say that a lot of people are getting sick with influenza and we are getting reports of severe illness and hospitalizations," said Dr. Joe Bresee of the CDC's Influenza Division. "Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now."
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.
Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.
Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.
A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.
If you've got bunions, chances are others in your family suffer from the common foot disorder, with a new study finding the condition is often passed down from parents to children.
If you've got bunions, chances are others in your family suffer from the common foot disorder, with a new study finding the condition is often passed down from parents to children.
Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
Boys who are diagnosed with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are twice as likely to become obese adults as those who didn't have the disorder when they were young, a new 30-year study shows.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:40 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:40:39 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
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New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
