Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Gale Burstein confirms that reports of flu cases are on the rise. Nearly 90 cases of the flu per week have been reported in the County since the holidays. What Burstein finds unusual in these numbers is the proliferation of Swine Flu, or H1N1, cases. Burstein claims that the number of flu cases overall are about average, but those primarily affected are working age adults.
Information regarding reported flu cases is available to the public. According to Burstein, "The Erie County respiratory surveillance report informs healthcare providers and the public if specific respiratory viruses, including several influenza strains..., have been identified in Erie County." The information can be found at www.erie.gov/health.
She emphasizes that getting a flu shot is the best preventive measure to take, and those vaccines are still readily available.
