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Flu cases are continuing to decline across Central New York for the third consecutive week, bringing relief to a region that has experienced one of its worst flu seasons in over a decade.
According to the latest health department data, during the week ending January 31st, Onondaga County reported 269 cases, followed by Oneida County with 96 cases, while Madison and Oswego counties each reported 39 cases.
This marks a significant improvement from earlier in January, when Onondaga County reported 727 cases for the week ending January 3. The downward trend began in mid-January when cases first dropped to 397 in Onondaga County, then decreased further to 286 for the week ending January 17.
Despite this encouraging decline, health officials emphasize that flu activity remains high throughout New York State. This season has been particularly challenging for the region's healthcare system.
"It's having a toll on our local hospitals," said Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County health commissioner, noting that emergency rooms and hospital beds have been at capacity. Syracuse's three hospital systems have reported flu admissions approximately four times higher than the same period last year.
The severity prompted both Upstate University Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital to establish incident command centers to manage the patient surge. Upstate has admitted 315 flu patients so far this season, compared to just 72 last season. St. Joseph's reported seeing 40 more patients daily in its emergency room due to flu-related illnesses.
While the current strain spreads rapidly, health officials note it is not expected to be unusually deadly. "It is a somewhat severe flu year," Anderson said. "But I hesitate to use the word 'super flu' or other concerning things that are out there in the media, because I think it causes panic. In many ways, it's a very typical flu year."
The virus has primarily affected vulnerable populations including seniors, infants, and those with compromised immune systems.
Dr. James McDonald, State Health Commissioner, continues to stress the importance of vaccination. "Vaccination is still the best protection, and if you do get the flu, prescription treatment in the first 48 hours can be very effective," he stated.
For those experiencing flu symptoms, health officials recommend that otherwise healthy individuals stay home unless they develop serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, or uncontrollable vomiting. Those at higher risk for complications should contact their primary care provider within the first 48 hours of symptoms, when antiviral medications are most effective.
Although January and February typically represent the peak of flu season, health officials emphasize it's not too late to get vaccinated. Residents who haven't received a flu shot yet are urged to do so and can find nearby vaccination clinics by visiting vaccines.gov.