Women's Health Wednesday: Flu cases on the rise
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Health experts say we're in the midst of the worst flu season we've seen nationwide in the last ten years. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
Ten influenza-associated deaths were reported the week of February 1, for a total of 57 pediatric deaths this season.
By comparison, the 2023-2024 flu season was “moderately severe” with 40 million estimated illnesses, 28,000 deaths, and more than 200 pediatric deaths.
At the same time, other viruses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and norovirus are spreading rapidly - leading to what some have referred to as a "quad-demic."
Dr. Aimalohi Gray, with St. Peter’s Primary Care – Ballston Spa, says the flu vaccine is one of the best ways to avoid getting it and it's not too late. However, Dr. Gray says it will take up to two weeks for your body to build up the antibodies needed to defend against the flu.
As of last Wednesday, 2,869,302 doses of the flu vaccine, which is 25.4% statewide, have been given out according to the New York State Department of Health.
In this week's Women's Health Wednesday, Dr. Gray talks about what you can do to avoid getting sick and why hand sanitizer isn't always the best option.