The Westchester County Department of Health today announced the first laboratory confirmed case of Influenza A (the flu) in Westchester County for the season.

"Although the flu has arrived in Westchester, it's not too late for residents to get their flu shot," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Although County sponsored flu clinics have ended, residents are encouraged to speak with their private physicians about receiving the vaccine," he continued.

"Influenza vaccine can prevent up to 50% to 60% of hospitalizations and 80% of deaths from influenza-related complications among the elderly," said Dr. Adel. "As many as 20,000 Americans die each year from flu-related illness. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been prevented by immunization. Even though this vaccine is safe, effective and has been recommended for quite some

time now, not nearly enough "high risk" individuals are taking advantage of it. In fact, the current influenza immunization rate for adults 65 years and older in New York State is only 41.6%," he added.

"In addition to saving lives, influenza vaccine is also an effective means of keeping flu-related medical costs down," Dr. Adel continued. "The annual direct medical costs of influenza are estimated at up to $4.6 billion. Total direct and indirect costs of a severe flu epidemic are at least $12 billion," he said.

The strain of influenza circulating and causing illness changes each year and therefore annual vaccination to protect against the current circulating strain is recommended. This year's influenza vaccine is aimed at combating three different strains of influenza - A/Beijing/262/95-like (H1N1), A/Sydney/5/97-like (H3N2), and B/Beijing/184/93-like hemagglutinin antigens. The influenza season

generally occurs between October and April of each year. The flu vaccine takes 1-2 weeks to take effect and will offer protection throughout the entire season.

All senior citizens, people with heart and/or lung conditions who are at increased risk themselves for becoming more seriously ill from influenza, or people who have significant contact with such people should protect themselves against influenza. Influenza can have much more serious consequences than other viruses prevalent in fall and winter.

The Health Department advises that those at "high-risk" for becoming seriously ill with influenza be vaccinated. "High-risk" individuals who should receive influenza vaccine include anyone over 65 years old; those with chronic diseases, such as heart or lung diseases, or diabetes, or compromised immune systems, regardless of age, and women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season. People who are otherwise healthy but who may transmit influenza to such people should also be vaccinated. This includes healthcare workers both in institutional and home care settings, and people living in the same household as individuals at high risk for serious illness with influenza. In addition, any person who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza is encouraged to receive the vaccine.

Dr. Adel noted that some groups should consult their private physician

before getting any flu vaccinations. These include people who:

-are allergic to eggs

neurological illnesses;

-have an acute febrile illness.

For more information about influenza, residents can call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.