Lab-confirmed influenza cases have been increasing across the state, with a 34% increase outside of New York City and a 21% increase in the five boroughs over the previous week.
The New York State Department of Health has declared the flu prevalent in the state, triggering masking requirements for unvaccinated health care workers in facility settings.
Unvaccinated healthcare workers in specific settings must wear surgical or procedure masks during times when the flu is deemed prevalent.
The New York State Department of Health has declared the influenza (flu) prevalent in the state, triggering masking requirements for unvaccinated health care workers in facility settings. This requirement does not apply to private dental practices but does apply to dentists unvaccinated for flu working in health care facility settings. The declaration also urges the public to get their flu vaccine. The department uses various tools to increase public knowledge about rising flu rates and the importance of vaccinations. Antiviral medications can be prescribed to reduce the length and severity of the illness.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has officially declared that the flu is now prevalent in the state, prompting the implementation of this precautionary measure. Unvaccinated healthcare workers in specific settings must wear surgical or procedure masks during times when the flu is deemed prevalent. So far this year, there have been two flu-related deaths among children in New York.
Lab-confirmed influenza cases have been increasing across the state, with a 34% increase outside of New York City and a 21% increase in the five boroughs over the previous week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 1.8 million illnesses, 17,000 hospitalizations, and 1,100 deaths from the flu this season nationally. Vaccine fatigue and hesitancy may be preventing more people from getting this year's flu vaccine, which is the best way to prevent serious illness from the virus.
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has officially declared that the flu is now prevalent in the state, prompting the implementation of this precautionary measure.
Unvaccinated healthcare workers in specific settings must wear surgical or procedure masks during times when the flu is deemed prevalent.
Lab-confirmed influenza cases have been increasing across the state, with a 34% increase outside of New York City and a 21% increase in the five boroughs over the previous week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there have been at least 1.8 million illnesses, 17,000 hospitalizations, and 1,100 deaths from the flu this season nationally.
Vaccine fatigue and hesitancy may be preventing more people from getting this year's flu vaccine, which is the best way to prevent serious illness from the virus.