Flu Season Hits New York Hard
Flu season is currently underway in New York, and health officials are warning that this year could be one of the toughest in recent times.
In Westchester County, doctors have noticed a significant rise in flu cases, leading to more patients visiting local hospitals for treatment. Recent statistics from the New York State Department of Health reveal that over 4,500 people were hospitalized due to the flu statewide just last week. This marks an increase of nearly 1,000 hospitalizations compared to the previous week, putting additional pressure on the local healthcare system.
Dr. Akshay Gupta from Northwell Hospital Westchester believes that the rise in flu cases can be attributed to several factors, such as the cold weather and hesitance regarding vaccinations. He encourages residents to follow basic health guidelines, like frequently washing their hands, as the flu virus can live on surfaces like doorknobs and countertops for up to two days.
For those who do fall ill, both doctors and community members stress the importance of resting and staying home to prevent the virus from spreading further.
