New York experiences a surge in flu cases, with experts providing advice on how to protect oneself from the flu and other respiratory viruses like RSV and COVID-19. The article highlights the ineffectiveness of the current flu vaccine against the new H3N2 strain, but emphasizes the importance of testing, seeking medical attention for severe symptoms, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when sick.
New York saw the most flu cases ever reported in a week.WJAR's Barbara Morse explains the steps people can take to protect themselves from flu and respiratory viruses . "It's mutated in such a way that it's able to overcome a lot of immunity that people have," said Dr.
Philip Chan, who spoke on behalf of the Rhode Island Department of Health."This year, unfortunately, there's this new strain of flu called H3N2, which does seem to overcome a person's immunity," said Chan."Early data -- limited data from other places around the world -- suggest it's about 30% to 40% effective in preventing severe disease," said Chan.But the flu isn't the only respiratory virus making the rounds, as RSV and COVID-19 are out there, too.That's why, for many, it's a good idea to find out what you have specifically. "Certainly if you're older, compromised medically, you want to test, you want to get a diagnosis as soon as possible because there are medications that we have that are most effective when taken early in the course of disease," said Chan."If you're feeling really sick, if you're having trouble breathing, you're not able to eat or drink, you're having things likje chest pain, really dizzy when you get up, you do want to consider visiting an urgent care center or an emergency department to get checked out," said Chan.Bottom line: the flu vaccine which, again, isn't a great match, offers some protection. Please note though, it takes about one to two weeks for your body to build immunity after being vaccinated.And remember, handwashing is a great defense in preventing the spread of germs, and staying home if you're sick.A multi-car collision in Everett claimed the lives of two elderly people and left two others seriously injured on Friday.Katie Wilson is set to be inaugurated as Seattle's next mayor on Friday at 10 a.m. in a public ceremony at Seattle City Hall.Nick Shirley, who exposed what he alleges are bogus childcare centers stealing government money in Minnesota, defended his efforts in a CNN interview.A man was killed by law enforcement Friday morning, beginning with a domestic dispute in Clinton and culminating in a high-speed pursuit and officer-involved sh
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