It’s getting close to the time of year that doctors generally refer to as “flu season.”
Although instances are on the rise and COVID-19 and RSV are present, Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza advised referring to this time of year as “respiratory virus season.”
Mendoza stated on Wednesday that “all three of these diseases can cause very severe disease.” And we are aware that they can significantly burden our community when they all circulate at once, as they did last year.
Mendoza made a public appeal for people to get immunised at the Rochester Academy of Medicine, where he was accompanied by the chief medical officers of three of the biggest health systems in the area: University of Rochester Medicine, Rochester Regional Health, and Jordan Health.
The flu returned with a vengeance last year after two years of comparatively low flu illnesses, which infectious disease specialists have attributed to pandemic safety measures like social isolation and masking.
Then, over the winter, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spiked. According to many doctors, this season was one of the worst for the illness in recent memory.
The medical experts urged eligible locals to take measures during the news conference on Wednesday, noting that local cases of all three illnesses were rising but remained consistent with seasonal norms.
Mendoza pleaded with the audience to take precautions against the flu, COVID-19, and, if applicable, RSV. And could you do it right away?
According to Strong Memorial Hospital’s 320 flu patients hospitalised last year, Dr. Michael Apostolakos, chief medical officer at University of Rochester Medical Centre, 320 people were admitted there. He claimed that getting immunised can ease the strain on overworked hospitals.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone here that the health care systems remain extremely stressed with patients,” Apostolakos stated. “Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital remain consistently over 100% occupied.”
Most people 6 months of age and older are qualified for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. RSV vaccination is only given to newborns and people over 60.
The supply of the COVID-19 vaccination has been hindered nationwide due to a new formulation, high demand, shipping delays, and a shortage of chemists.
Wegmans stated on notices placed all across its stores two weeks ago that although their supply of the vaccination was erratic, it was anticipated to get better.
According to health officials, all three respiratory disease vaccines are readily available in the area and can typically be found at pharmacies, walk-in clinics, or doctor’s offices.
Visit the Monroe County Department of Public Health website to find out more about respiratory infections, keep track of recent instances, and locate flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
