By Ethan Kwassman (NCC News)
Nov. 17, 2010, 8:00 pm
SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Flu season has arrived in Onondaga County.
Dr. Cynthia Morrow, the county's health commissioner, said some health care providers are reporting that they are starting to see patients with the flu. Morrow says that if people haven't gotten their vaccines, now it's a great time to go out and get vaccinated.
The 2010-2011 version of the vaccine protects against three different flu viruses, including the H1N1 virus. According to the state Health Department, the overall level of flu activity statewide is low.
Other noteworthy details regarding the flu:
- The Onondaga County Health Department has confirmed three cases of influenza
- Public health officials are recommending all people 6 months and older get vaccinated
- Flu vaccinations will be administered at clinics through Tuesday, Nov. 23
- Residents can schedule appointments online or by calling 435-5752
Morrow says that the flu does not usually peak until February or March.
"The flu is showing up a little bit earlier than usual this season," Morrow said.
Health Department Medical Director Quoc Nguyen says that the low flu activity shouldn't be a reason for people not to get vaccinated.
"It just started, so we don't yet. You can only pass judgement when the season is over, you know how many cases you have," Nguyen said.
Nguyen also says that the inclusion of the H1N1 virus is crucial because the swine flu caused so much illness last year.
"We already have the H1N1 swine flu in this year's vaccine. Whether the virus does us a favor, by not mutating too much, we don't know yet," he said.
Listen to my reporter wrap on this story for Newscast #7 below:
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