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Health professionals in Ellenville are raising concerns as cases of measles, flu, COVID-19, and pertussis (whooping cough) increase in the Hudson Valley. According to the lead physician at Ellenville Regional Hospital, more patients are presenting with serious respiratory illnesses than in previous years.
Public health officials are urging residents to stay current with vaccinations, emphasizing that flu shots and other relevant immunizations are crucial for disease prevention. They also advise those who are sick to remain at home to prevent further spread.
Misinformation about vaccine effectiveness, partly fueled by public figures, is complicating efforts to maintain public health. Health professionals warn that reliance on misinformation could lead to preventable illnesses and outbreaks.
David Williams, an Emergency Care Physician Assistant at Ellenville Regional Hospital, reports a spike in flu diagnoses, particularly after the holidays. The dominant flu strain, H3N2, has been circulating across the Northern Hemisphere. Williams advises that vaccination remains the best defense against the flu, recommending that individuals get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Flu symptoms can include high fever, sore throat, cough, and body aches. Williams notes that the flu can mimic symptoms of RSV and COVID-19, but most urgent care centers and emergency rooms now have tests that can detect all three viruses simultaneously.
Health experts stress the importance of good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and staying home when sick, to keep households safe and healthy.