Flu is here; NY orders unvaccinated health care workers to don masks

State health officials say the flu is now widespread in Arizona. Decisions about starting antiviral treatment should not be delayed while waiting for laboratory confirmation of influenza; caution should be exercised in interpreting negative rapid influenza diagnostic test result for informing treatment decisions. This season, more than 800 New Yorkers have been hospitalized with flu, which kills between 3,000 and 49,000 Americans each year, according to federal data. The Department of Health urges all Tennesseans who have not yet received a flu vaccine to get one now to help protect themselves and those around them from the flu virus.

“Health care workers play a vital role in containing the spread of the flu”, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said.

The county will be offering a walk-in clinic for flu shots Wed., Feb. 17 from 1 – 4 p.m.at the health department located at 215 W. Mendenhall in Bozeman. The current influenza vaccines match the influenza viruses for the season.

Health professionals are using this opportunity to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated for the flu, which is especially important for children 6 months old and older. “This is a bad year”, Elliott said.

Beebe is the program manager for Flu and Worksite Wellness. Flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu and can also reduce the severity of flu illness. Flu activity most often peaks in February and can last into May.

Flu symptoms are similar to the common cold, however, the flu comes on quickly and is more physically draining.