High fever, stuffy nose, body aches: all symptoms of what could be the flu.
Recent New York state health data shows that there have been more than 17,700 positive flu cases across New York state this season. Emergency rooms have begun to report a spike in patients coming into the emergency room with flu-like symptoms.
David Williams, Emergency Care PA at Ellenvile Regional Hospital, says that the the hospital has started to see a spike in flu diagnoses after the holidays. “It hasn’t even spiked yet. We’re just getting started,” said Williams.
H3N2 is the latest flu variant that has become the dominant strain in the U.S. A new variant of the influenza has mutated several times and has circulated across the Northern hemisphere.
Williams urges that getting vaccinated is still the best treatment against the flu before flu season peaks.
“It’s definitely a good time to get vaccinated because it’s starting to hit and it’s hitting pretty fast,” he said. Getting the flu vaccine as early as possible is recommended, Williams says, “but listen, getting it any time is better than no time.”
Flu symptoms may include a high fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, and gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Oftentimes, the flu mimics symptoms of RSV and COVID, says Williams. “Thankfully, we have now a test that can test for all three viruses all at once… most urgent cares and ERs have that ability to do that now, where we didn’t have that a few years ago.”
Williams says that reliable health hygiene tips can make a difference in keeping households safe and healthy.
“The first thing you should do is make [your kids] run to the sink… and wash their hands,” said Williams. “I think that’s just good hand hygiene, you know, covering your mouth when you cough, staying home when you’re sick.”
Image: Interior of Ellenville Regional Hospital in Ellenville, N.Y. (Photo Credit: Ellenville Regional Hospital)