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Flu cases are continuing to decline across the Hudson Valley region, offering residents a welcome respite from the season's earlier surge. For the week ending January 17, Westchester County reported 837 infections, followed by Orange County with 437 cases and Rockland County with 227.
This marks a significant decrease from previous weeks where Westchester County had reported 1,238 cases for the week ending January 10, and a staggering 3,026 cases for the week ending December 27.
The downward trend in the Hudson Valley mirrors a national pattern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported two straight weeks of decline in measures of flu activity across the United States, including a significant drop in hospitalizations and medical office visits for flu-like symptoms.
Despite the encouraging numbers, health officials caution that the flu season may be far from over. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases specialist at Vanderbilt University, noted that second surges often occur after the winter holidays.
"Most of us are crossing our fingers," Dr. Schaffner said. "But I don't think we can rely on the concept that flu is abating very early this year."
This flu season has been particularly concerning because it's dominated by a strain called A H3N2, which historically causes more hospitalizations and deaths in older people. About 90% of H3N2 infections analyzed this season were a new strain that differs from the version included in this year's flu shots.
At Phelps Hospital in Westchester County, doctors have observed higher numbers of flu cases compared to last year. "The number of flu cases and hospitalizations we are seeing are much higher this season than the same time last year," said Dr. Barry Geller, Associate Medical Director and Chair of Emergency Medicine at Phelps Hospital, according to The Hudson Independent.
Health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins recently urged county residents to get vaccinated, noting that it "reduces the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40 to 60 percent."
Residents can find flu vaccine locations by visiting vaccines.gov. Most area pharmacies offer flu vaccines, and adults and children who are either uninsured or underinsured can get shots for free at Westchester County Department of Health clinics by appointment.