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Influenza

NJ Pediatrician Breaks Down Most Common Respiratory Illnesses, How To Stay Protected NJ Pediatrician Breaks Down Most Common Respiratory Illnesses, How To Stay Protected
NJ Pediatrician Breaks Down Most Common Respiratory Illnesses, How To Stay Protected You'd hardly know it with the recent streak of summer weather, but we're weeks away from colder days when respiratory viruses will thrive. Daily Voice sat down with Dr. Daniel Rauch, a pediatric physician at Hackensack Meridian Health's Hackensack University Medical Center, to learn about the most common respiratory viruses and how to stay protected. A release from Hackensack Meridian Health says some of the best ways to stay protected are to practice good hand hygiene, disinfect surfaces in your home, avoid contact with people who are sick, rest, and eat a healthy diet to boost your immuni…
'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late Mass Father, Fiancé 'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late Mass Father, Fiancé
'His Kindness Was A Beacon': Support Swells For Late Mass Father, Fiancé After a Massachusetts brother, fiancé, and father unexpectedly died, the community is helping support the family he left behind while remembering his lasting legacy. William Harris (known to many as “Bill” or “Billy”), a lifelong Norfolk County resident, died on Saturday, April 6. Bill, who was born in Norwood and lived with his family in Stoughton at the time of his death, had recently come back from a weekend vacation with his fiancée and the pair’s three children when he came down with the flu. The flu quickly turned into pneumonia, which led to a blood clot that required Harris to b…
PA Dad Of 3 Dies Suddenly From Flu Complications, Fund Says PA Dad Of 3 Dies Suddenly From Flu Complications, Fund Says
PA Dad Of 3 Dies Suddenly From Flu Complications, Fund Says Support is on the rise for a York mom and three children after the family lost their patriarch unexpectedly. According to a GoFundMe for Lindsey Markey, Dan Martin — her fiance — died Sunday, Feb. 3 due to complications of the flu and an upper respiratory infection.  Martin leaves behind children Royce, 8, Ryker, 6, and Lennon, 3. "No one prepares you for something like this," Lindsey wrote on Facebook. "I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything, and trying to get pass the traumatic events that took place yesterday.💔 "I want everyone to know that Dan was a good man! He …
First Pediatric Flu-Related Death Of New Season Reported In Virginia First Pediatric Flu-Related Death Of New Season Reported In Virginia
First Pediatric Flu-Related Death Of New Season Reported In Virginia The Virginina Department of Health confirmed that the state's first reported flu-death of the 2023-2024 season has been reported. Health officials announced that a child between the ages of 5 and 12 in Virginia's Eastern region died from complications related to influenza.  No additional information is being provided by the department due to the victim's age and to protect the family. With temperatures dropping, Virginia is seeing an increase in new flu cases,  For the week ending on Saturday, Dec. 23, emergency department and urgent care visits due to flu-like illness represent…
Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC Surge In COVID-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC
Surge In Covid-19, Flu, RSV Hospitalizations Leads To Winter Virus Warning By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sounding the alarm, warning that low vaccination rates for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) could strain healthcare systems across the nation in the weeks ahead. Hospitalizations among all age groups in the last month increased by 200 percent for influenza, 51 percent for COVID, and 60 percent for RSV, the CDC said. Meanwhile, coverage for the seasonal 2023-2024 flu shot is low in all age groups compared with the same period of the 2022–2023 season. Just 17 percent of adults had received the updated COVID vac…
Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials
Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials If you haven’t gotten your flu shot this year, now’s the time to do so. New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald declared that influenza is “now prevalent” in the state on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The declaration requires healthcare workers who have not received this year’s flu vaccine to wear masks in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. "Health care personnel who are not vaccinated against the flu this season need to take extra precautions and wear a mask in health care facilities, as they are exposed to sick patients and come into close contact with those most vulnerab…
COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning
Covid-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning As the new COVID-19 variant named XBB.1.5 rapidly spreads through New York, officials are urging people to receive their booster shots to protect themselves.  Earlier Report - COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Accounts For 70% Of Tristate NY Cases, Sparking Concerns Of New Wave The variant, which spreads more quickly than other currently circulating strains of the virus, is already making up more than 50 percent of cases in the state, making it the predominant strain, according to the New York Department of Health.  Although it is not yet clear if the XBB.1.5 variant is more se…
CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases
CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory warning of an increase in cases of strep throat infections among children amid the so-called "tripledemic" of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. The CDC said it has notified clinicians and public health authorities of a recent increase in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections.  In November 2022, the CDC said it was notified of a possible increase in iGAS infections among children at a hospital in Colorado. Potential increases in pediatric iG…
Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season
Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season Health officials confirmed that a child from Connecticut has died of influenza. The child, a resident of New Haven County, died in December in what is the first pediatric influenza death in the state this flu season, the Connecticut Department of Public Health said. Officials said the child was between the ages of less than a year old and 9 years old. They did not report the child's exact age. “The flu continues to circulate and is particularly dangerous to the very youngest and the oldest people in your life,” DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said. “The holidays are just around the corner…
Support Soars For Lynn Family Of 9-Year-Old Girl Who Died From Heart Attack Support Soars For Lynn Family Of 9-Year-Old Girl Who Died From Heart Attack
Support Soars For Lynn Family Of 9-Year-Old Girl Who Died From Heart Attack The family of 9-year-old "sassy little thing" who died of flu complications has received an outpouring of support through an online campaign.  Veronica Thach died after a battle with severe influenza that attacked her heart on Saturday Dec. 10, a GoFundMe site states. What started as normal flu-like symptoms quickly escalated when Thach experienced multiple cardiac arrests after being taken to urgent care.  After a total of three cardiac arrests, Thach was transported via helicopter to Boston Children's Hospital. Doctors confirmed that Thach had no brain activity on Wednesday, Dec. 7.  …
Get Vaccinated: Influenza Cases Jump 'Dramatically' In Hudson Valley, Health Department Says Get Vaccinated: Influenza Cases Jump 'Dramatically' In Hudson Valley, Health Department Says
Get Vaccinated: Influenza Cases Jump 'Dramatically' In Hudson Valley, Health Department Says A Hudson Valley Health Department is urging folks to receive their vaccinations as cases of respiratory viruses skyrocket.  Cases of influenza have jumped "dramatically" for the second straight week in Putnam County, with 404 reported cases between Sunday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 3, compared to 186 cases the previous week, according to the Putnam County Health Department.  Half of the reported cases are children aged 5 to 17, health department officials said.  Additionally, the department is reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases in Putnam County, with 267 reported cases reported the …
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of Covid-19, Flu, RSV The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging Americans to wear masks during the holiday season to help prevent the spread of the so-called tripledemic of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's especially important for people living in areas with high levels of COVID transmission to mask up, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Monday, Dec. 5. “The past several years have certainly not been easy, and we now face yet another surge of ailments, another moment of overstretched capacity, and really one of tragic and often preventab…
First Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In Connecticut As Person In 50s First Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In Connecticut As Person In 50s
First Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In Connecticut As Person In 50s Health officials have reported this season's first flu death in Connecticut. The individual who died in November was a resident of New London County and was in their 50s, the Connecticut Department of Health announced on Monday, Nov. 28. No further information about the patient is will be released, officials reported. Flu season occurs between October and May, and the highest levels of influenza are usually seen between December and March, according to the report.  “This is a tragic reminder that the 2022-23 flu season is already an active one. As we approach the holidays, I strongly…
Triple Threat: Health Department In Hudson Valley Warns Of RSV, COVID-19, Flu Triple Threat: Health Department In Hudson Valley Warns Of RSV, COVID-19, Flu
Triple Threat: Health Department In Hudson Valley Warns Of RSV, Covid-19, Flu A health department in the Hudson Valley is warning people to be cautious as cases of respiratory viruses rise.  Earlier Report - 'Tripledemic' Concerns Grow As Surge In Flu Activity Strikes Amid Ongoing RSV, COVID-19 Cases The warning comes after a rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Putnam County, which has been accompanied by a similar rise in COVID-19 and flu cases, according to an announcement by the Putnam County Health Department from Monday, Nov. 21.  "Residents hearing stories on the news about high levels of respiratory illness around the cou…
Flu Season is Already Widespread Across New York, Health Department Says Flu Season is Already Widespread Across New York, Health Department Says
Flu Season is Already Widespread Across New York, Health Department Says As cooler weather has moved in across New York state, cases of flu have already become widespread. State health officials say the pesky, and sometimes deadly, virus is rapidly ramping up with 44 counties reporting flu cases in the first weeks of October. Statewide, 596 cases of the flu have been confirmed, compared to only 150 in the same time period a year ago. The regions reporting the highest number of cases include the New York City area, the Capital Region, and central New York with 57 percent of the confirmed flu cases being reported in those regions, the state Department of Hea…
Why The Flu Shot Is Important Why The Flu Shot Is Important
Why The Flu Shot Is Important Every year, flu vaccination prevents illness, medical visits, hospitalization, and death. Getting the flu shot is also an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions. So, if you haven’t had your flu shot yet this year, make an appointment today! Why get the flu shot? The seasonal flu vaccine (flu shot) is the best way to help protect against the flu. No two flu seasons are the same, and the flu can affect people in different ways. When you get the flu shot, you are lowering your risk of getting the flu and having to go to the hospital. Flu risk factors: If …
COVID-19: Increasing Number Of Reinfections Being Reported, Sometimes Within Weeks COVID-19: Increasing Number Of Reinfections Being Reported, Sometimes Within Weeks
Covid-19: Increasing Number Of Reinfections Being Reported, Sometimes Within Weeks With the number of new COVID-19 variants and wild strains evolving, Americans are reporting an increasing number of reinfections of the virus across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 means a person was infected, recovered, and then later became infected again, sometimes within weeks of the initial infection. Officials said that after recovering from COVID-19, most individuals will have some protection from repeat infections, however, reinfections have become more common during the m…
'Widespread' Flu Activity Now Reported In New York: Here Are Counties Most Affected 'Widespread' Flu Activity Now Reported In New York: Here Are Counties Most Affected
'Widespread' Flu Activity Now Reported In New York: Here Are Counties Most Affected With all eyes concentrating on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis with the Omicron variant raging, flu season has quickly and quietly snuck up on New Yorkers, where flu is still being categorized as "widespread." In the latest update from the Department of Health, New York recorded 5,075 cases of influenza out of nearly 100,000 tests that were conducted, marking the “seventh consecutive week that widespread activity has been reported following one week of regional activity.” The latest data represents an 18-percent decrease from the previous update from the New York State Department of Health. A…
Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here's Number Of CT Cases Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here's Number Of CT Cases
Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here's Number Of CT Cases A severe flu season could be on its way in Connecticut as health officials continue contending with the Omicron COVID-19 variant rapidly spreading throughout the country. As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus continues to cause concern for health officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert advising that the flu is back in full force after taking a back seat to the pandemic last winter. In Connecticut, according to the most recent report from the Department of Public Health, there are currently 1,265 patients admitted in state hospitals with influen…
Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here Are MA Areas Most Affected Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here Are MA Areas Most Affected
Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here Are MA Areas Most Affected With all eyes on the recent surge of COVID-19, health officials are cautioning about a potentially severe flu season as several outbreaks have cropped up across the country. As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is rapidly spreading, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert advising that the flu is back in full force after taking a back seat to the pandemic last winter. In Massachusetts, according to the most recent report from the Department of Health on Friday, Dec. 24, the influenza severity statewide is currently “moderate,” with the percentage of flu-…
Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here Are NY Counties Most Affected Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here Are NY Counties Most Affected
Warning For Severe Flu Season Issued By Health Officials; Here Are NY Counties Most Affected With all eyes on the recent surge of COVID-19, health officials are cautioning about a potentially severe flu season as several outbreaks have cropped up across the country. As the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus is rapidly spreading, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an alert advising that the flu is back in full force after taking a back seat to the pandemic last winter. In the latest update from the Department of Health, New York recorded 9,023 cases of influenza out of more than 94,000 tests that were conducted, marking the “fifth week that widespread act…
Twindemic? Long Island Flu Cases On Rise Twindemic? Long Island Flu Cases On Rise
Twindemic? Long Island Flu Cases On Rise A “twindemic” could be on the horizon for Long Island residents as the region begins to grapple with a rise in flu cases as New York contends with the winter surge of new COVID-19 infections as cases linked to the new Omicron variant continue to climb. In the latest update from the Department of Health, New York recorded 2,871 cases of influenza out of more than 64,000 tests that were conducted, marking the “third week that widespread activity has been reported following one week of regional activity.” On Long Island, both Nassau and Suffolk counties reported more than 10 new flu cases…
Twindemic? Hudson Valley Flu Cases On Rise: Here Are Most Affected Counties Twindemic? Hudson Valley Flu Cases On Rise: Here Are Most Affected Counties
Twindemic? Hudson Valley Flu Cases On Rise: Here Are Most Affected Counties A “twindemic” could be on the horizon for Hudson Valley residents as the region begins to grapple with a rise in flu cases as New York contends with the winter surge of new COVID-19 infections as cases linked to the new Omicron variant continue to climb. In the latest update from the Department of Health, New York recorded 2,871 cases of influenza out of more than 64,000 tests that were conducted, marking the “third week that widespread activity has been reported following one week of regional activity.” The Hudson Valley has seen among the most cases in the state, with all but one county i…
NY Sees New Increase In Flu Cases: Here Are Counties Most Affected NY Sees New Increase In Flu Cases: Here Are Counties Most Affected
NY Sees New Increase In Flu Cases: Here Are Counties Most Affected With all eyes concentrating on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, flu season has quietly snuck up on New Yorkers, where flu is being categorized as "widespread."  In the latest update from the Department of Health, New York recorded 1,133 cases of influenza out of more than 46,000 tests that were conducted, marking the “second week that widespread activity has been reported following one week of regional activity.” According to health officials, 47 counties reported cases of influenza, with just one having none. The hardest-hit areas, with more than 10 cases per 100,000 population, are in o…
COVID-19: New Strain Coupled With Arrival Of Flu Season Spark Concerns In Connecticut COVID-19: New Strain Coupled With Arrival Of Flu Season Spark Concerns In Connecticut
Covid-19: New Strain Coupled With Arrival Of Flu Season Spark Concerns In Connecticut The new, more transmissible Omicron variant of the virus coupled with a rise in new flu cases is compounding Connecticut's COVID-19 concerns. Alarm bells are sounding for some across the state as flu season begins picking up steam as Connecticut - and the rest of the nation - continues contending with COVID-19 and new strains of the virus. Health officials are encouraging Connecticut residents to get their flu shots, as well as booster shots, as they seek to curtail the spread of COVID-19, which has seen another winter surge of new infections following the Thanksgiving holiday. According t…
NY Sees Increase In Flu Cases: Here Are Most Affected Counties NY Sees Increase In Flu Cases: Here Are Most Affected Counties
NY Sees Increase In Flu Cases: Here Are Most Affected Counties With all eyes concentrating on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, flu season has quietly snuck up on New Yorkers, which reported hundreds of new cases of influenza, according to the state Department of Health. In the latest update from the Department of Health, New York recorded 980 cases of influenza out of more than 49,000 tests that were conducted, marking the “first week widespread activity has been reported following one week of regional activity.” According to health officials, 47 counties reported cases of influenza, with just five having none. The hardest-hit areas, with more than 10 …
Are Vaccines Safe? Are Vaccines Safe?
Are Vaccines Safe? Dear Doctor, The topic of vaccines has been in the news constantly, thanks to the imminent COVID-19 vaccine. But I’m hearing a lot of conflicting information from friends and family about what to believe. Can you set the record straight about vaccine safety? Sincerely, “Searching for the Truth” Dear Searching: Vaccine misinformation is a tremendous problem in this country. And as an infectious disease expert, this has me quite alarmed. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 3 million lives are saved each year because of immunizations against potentially deadly disea…
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated!
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Cold and flu season is upon us. We can expect that the new reality of COVID-19 will only complicate the influenza (flu) season. The flu affects millions of people each year. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be a very serious disease which can lead to hospitalization and even death. This year, the flu vaccine is more important than ever. As we all are aware, COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm our hospitals and health care systems, so people with the flu may not receive adequate care in the crowd of COVID-19 patients in emergency rooms and inten…
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated!
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Cold and flu season is upon us. We can expect that the new reality of COVID-19 will only complicate the influenza (flu) season. The flu affects millions of people each year. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be a very serious disease which can lead to hospitalization and even death. This year, the flu vaccine is more important than ever. As we all are aware, COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm our hospitals and health care systems, so people with the flu may not receive adequate care in the crowd of COVID-19 patients in emergency rooms and inten…
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated!
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Cold and flu season is upon us. We can expect that the new reality of COVID-19 will only complicate the influenza (flu) season. The flu affects millions of people each year. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be a very serious disease which can lead to hospitalization and even death. This year, the flu vaccine is more important than ever. As we all are aware, COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm our hospitals and health care systems, so people with the flu may not receive adequate care in the crowd of COVID-19 patients in emergency rooms and inten…
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated!
Fight The Flu—Get Vaccinated! Cold and flu season is upon us. We can expect that the new reality of COVID-19 will only complicate the influenza (flu) season. The flu affects millions of people each year. It is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be a very serious disease which can lead to hospitalization and even death. This year, the flu vaccine is more important than ever. As we all are aware, COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm our hospitals and health care systems, so people with the flu may not receive adequate care in the crowd of COVID-19 patients in emergency rooms and inten…