Health officials discuss flu outbreak

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Chances are you or someone you know recently caught the flu. The virus is spreading rapidly.

If you haven’t gotten your flu shot, it’s time. The flu is greatly surpassing previous years, and has spiked over the last two weeks, making it the worst outbreak in the past ten years.

Forty-one states are currently seeing intense flu outbreaks, almost five weeks earlier than usual. It’s spreading quickly because there are two new strains this season, and the only way to prevent getting it is to get the vaccine.

Once getting the shot, it will take two weeks before your body will build immunity to the virus. There have already been at least two deaths statewide. Erie County Health Officials say the two involve children with weak immune systems, neither of which was located near western New York.

As of Thursday at noon, there is not a shortage in western New York for the vaccine. Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home.

Erie County Health Commissioner Gail Bernstein said, “These predominant strains of influenza that we're seeing in the community are new strains, we've never seen them before. So if you've been immunized for the flu in the past, you don't have any immunity to it or if you've been exposed to flu in the past, we've never seen these strains. So unless you've been immunized, you aren't protected from these viruses.”

The CDC says the seasonal flu will cost businesses nearly $1.5 billion in direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults.

If you get the flu, don’t go to the ER unless it’s an emergency. Officials recommend if you need to see a health professional, go to urgent care or your primary doctor.