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."
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.
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.
Friday, May 24 2013 2:46 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:46:22 GMT
A Bronx teacher says her language lesson was lost in translation when she was fired for calling a student "Negro" — though she claims she was simply using the Spanish word for the color "black".
A Bronx teacher says her language lesson was lost in translation when she was fired for calling a student "Negro" — though she claims she was simply using the Spanish word for the color "black".
Friday, May 24 2013 2:08 PM EDT2013-05-24 18:08:29 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:59 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:59:43 GMT
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday.
Five people were injured when a van jumped a curb in downtown Brooklyn on Friday. The van rear-ended a Taxi and Limousine Commission vehicle at the corner of Church Ave. and Utica Ave. at about 7:45 a.m., said police. One of the pedestrians that was struck by the van was taken to Brookdale Hospital. Four other victims were taken to Kings County Hospital.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:25:15 GMT
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
The engineer of the commuter train that derailed last week in Connecticut observed an "unusual condition" on the track before the wreck, federal officials said Friday.
Connecticut is making $5 million available immediately to cities and towns to help reimburse them for school safety and security upgrades following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Connecticut is making $5 million available immediately to cities and towns to help reimburse them for school safety and security upgrades following the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:50:33 GMT
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
County sheriffs have asked to join the federal lawsuit challenging New York's tough new gun restrictions, calling some provisions vague and impossible to enforce fairly.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:43 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:43:54 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Attorneys for a 65-year-old woman injured in last week's train crash in Connecticut say they have filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the Metro-North Railroad.
Attorneys for a 65-year-old woman injured in last week's train crash in Connecticut say they have filed a lawsuit alleging negligence by the Metro-North Railroad.
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