Syracuse (WSYR-TV) - According to the Centers for Disease Control, this is the earliest start to the so-called flu season in a decade.
New York State is dealing with what’s considered moderate flu activity, but Central New York is already seeing a spike in illness.
There have been 806 confirmed cases of the flu in Oneida County. At this time last year, Onondaga County had recorded zero cases. As of Tuesday, however, the county had 406 cases.
Health officials are imploring Central New Yorkers to get vaccinated.
Upstate University Hospital has already administered approximately 5,000 flu shots.
“This year, we are seeing the flu increase tremendously over the last few weeks,” said Director of Employee and Student Health Bruce Simmons.
At Upstate, more than 60 percent have already gotten a flu shot.
Every year, the flu costs businesses more than $10 billion in health-care costs.
The CDC is encouraging companies to arm their employees with vaccines.
Vaccines are even more critical for workers caring for the already sick.
The flu shot is recommended for people of all ages. It takes up to two weeks to start working so it’s imperative for people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Experts anticipate that the flu outbreak will peak in the next few weeks.
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