The flu has arrived in full force in Erie County, according to the Erie County Health Commissioner.
Dr. Gale Burstein says the number of positive cases for influenza (flu) has been increasing steadily since the end of December, and will likely continue to rise before flu season ends.
County health officials have urged residents to contact their health care provider if they think they have the flu. If you do not have a health care provider, and need medical care, you're asked to go to an urgent care center.
The Health Commissioner is also reminding residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot, especially since this year’s vaccine has been relatively effective against the most common strains of the flu.
Officials have said it's especially important for certain populations at high risk for serious flu complications to get immunized. They include:
- young children, especially those under 2 years of age
- women who are pregnant, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding
- people 65 years and older
- people who are immunosuppressed
- people with chronic health conditions, such as asthma or other chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, etc.
- people who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications
