New flu strain emerging as a severe health threat
Fox Information senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to warn of a brand new pressure of the flu that’s spiking hospitalizations throughout the nation and newfound dangers of medical marijuana’s hyperlink to psychosis.
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The New York State Division of Well being reported a file surge in influenza exercise, with 71,123 constructive flu cases recorded statewide through the week ending December 20.
Well being officers mentioned the determine represents the best variety of flu instances ever reported in a single week since influenza turned a reportable illness in New York in 2004.
State well being knowledge present the weekly whole displays a 38% enhance from the earlier reporting interval, signaling a quickly intensifying flu season.
There have been 189,312 reported constructive flu instances to date this season, whereas influenza-related hospitalizations rose 63% in the newest week.
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New York reported the best weekly whole of instances ever recorded since influenza turned reportable in 2004. (iStock)
“We’re seeing the best variety of flu instances ever recorded in a single week in New York state,” Well being Commissioner Dr. James McDonald mentioned in a press launch.
There have been 189,312 reported flu instances to date this season, with influenza-related hospitalizations rising 63% in the newest week. (iStock)
Earlier this month, the division declared influenza prevalent statewide, a designation that requires unvaccinated well being care staff to put on masks in affected person care settings.
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Well being officers proceed to emphasise that vaccination remains the most effective solution to stop extreme sickness and hospitalization from influenza.
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New Yorkers who haven’t but obtained a seasonal flu shot are nonetheless inspired to take action, with specialists saying vaccination can supply safety even later within the season.
Well being officers proceed to induce New Yorkers to take preventive steps, together with vaccination and staying residence when sick, to restrict additional unfold. (iStock)
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To assist restrict additional unfold, the division advises people experiencing flu-like signs — together with fever, cough, sore throat, or physique aches — to remain residence. State health officials additionally suggest frequent handwashing, utilizing hand sanitizer, and avoiding shut contact with sick people.
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For individuals who develop into ailing, officers say antiviral medications can be found and are handiest when began inside 48 hours of symptom onset.
Well being officers additionally added that folks at increased danger for issues ought to contact a well being care supplier promptly for analysis and potential remedy.
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The division famous that flu exercise usually peaks in January, that means case counts might proceed to climb within the weeks forward.