Liberty, NY – Sullivan County Public Health Services is warning residents that the flu is here, in force.
The New York State Department of Health declared the flu to be prevalent in New York State on December 5, 2019. From December 1, 2019 through January 24, 2020, there were 258 new laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu and 345 positive rapid flu tests in Sullivan County. This is well above the number of flu cases normally experienced this time of year.
“Seasonal flu is a serious illness, a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs and other parts of the body,” advises Public Health Director Nancy McGraw. “The flu can be most dangerous for young children, older adults and people with weaker immune systems. Serious health problems like pneumonia, bacterial infections, hospitalization, and even death, can result from the flu.”
Seasonal flu occurs every year, starting in the fall and lasting through the spring. During this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourages seasonal flu vaccination for all people 6 months of age and older. The Sullivan County Public Health Department especially encourages pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions – such as asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions – to receive a seasonal flu vaccination.
Sullivan County Public Health Services urges those residents of Sullivan County who have not yet been vaccinated for the flu virus to do so as soon as possible. You may also contact your physician, community health center, pharmacy, or other provider to get a flu vaccine.
Beginning Jan. 27, Sullivan County Public Health Services will expand clinic hours for flu shot appointments. Call 845-292-5910 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays to schedule a flu shot at 50 Community Lane. The shot is free for those with no insurance, and a sliding fee scale is available for others.
Sullivan County Public Health Services will be holding Flu Vaccination Clinics on the following dates:
- January 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello.
- January 30 from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. at the Bread of Life Food Pantry located at 263 Main St. Hurleyville.
- February 10 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty.
Influenza vaccinations can also be obtained through your healthcare provider and some pharmacies (visit www.vaccinefinder.org for locations).
For more information about the flu, visit www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal.