Westchester Health Officials: Too Early To Say If This Flu Season Will Be A Bad One
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The deep freeze has health officials in Westchester County worried about a possible peak in flu activity.
The latest map by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the flu is hitting hard in 43 states. It has been widespread in New York since mid-December, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reported.
"It's still a little early for us to tell whether the flu season is peaking early or if it's going to be about the same or whether there will be more flu," Westchester Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said.
Westchester Health Officials: Too Early To Say If This Flu Season Will Be A Bad One
Amler said there has been a bit of a curveball this season.
"One portion of the vaccine is not as good as we would like," she said.
MORE: CDC's Influenza Summary Map
Strain H3N2 apparently mutated. Still, Amler advises people to get the shot.
"Even if you get the flu, you may have a milder reaction," she said. "It's about the protection. It's always better than no protection."
Free flu shots will be available in Yonkers on Friday and Jan. 23, and in White Plains on Jan. 16 and 30. Anyone who is interested should call the Health Department for an appointment at 914-813-5000.
The agency will also offer HPV, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), meningitis and shingles shots.
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