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Harold N. Adel, MD, MPH Commissioner Department of Health |
Andrew
J. Spano |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 7, 1999 Influenza A Case in Westchester
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FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Mary Landrigan (914) 637-4715 |
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| The Westchester County Department
of Health yesterday confirmed its first report of Influenza in Westchester County. Eleven
outbreaks have been confirmed statewide, all in long term care facilities, including the
one in Westchester County. None of the Westchester cases have required hospitalization.
Although the Westchester County strain is still being tested, strains from elsewhere in
the state have been identified as an A/Sydney strain which is covered by this years'
influenza vaccine. "Although the flu has arrived in Westchester County, it's not too late for residents to get their flu shot," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Individuals at high-risk for becoming seriously ill due to influenza who should receive influenza vaccine include: those over 65 years old; those with chronic diseases, regardless of age; and individuals whose occupations place them in contact with persons in the "high-risk" category, such as employees of health care institutions," said Dr. Adel. "Vaccination is recommended on an annual basis because different strains of influenza are prevalent in different years. The vaccine is changed every year, and previous years' vaccines are not protective," he added. After the flu shot, it takes about two weeks for immunity against the flu to develop. During this time, a vaccinated person is still vulnerable to the illness. The influenza season is usually from November through April. Although County sponsored flu clinics have ended, residents can still receive the vaccination through their private physician. Dr. Adel noted that some groups should consult their private physician before getting the flu vaccination. They are: -those who are allergic to eggs -those with a history of serious allergic condition or reaction to flu vaccine in the past (fever, rash, etc.) -those who have an acute febrile illness-those who have had previous attacks of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or other recurring or persistent neurological illnesses -women who are pregnant The Health Department is also reminding nursing homes, and other health care facilities which are experiencing outbreaks of the flu, that rimantidine and/or amantidine can prevent or reduce the severity of illness in patients with the flu.For additional information, call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.
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