A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH
Commissioner
Marcus J. Molinaro
County Executive
Public Health Advisory
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 – 4:30 pm
Flu Virus Prevalent in NYS – CDC Releases Advisory
NYSDOH Declares Influenza Prevalent – Flu Mask Regulation in Place
On December 27, 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised clinicians:
Influenza should be high on their list of possible diagnoses for ill patients because influenza
activity is increasing nationwide;
All hospitalized patients and all high-risk patients (either hospitalized or outpatient) with
suspected influenza should be treated as soon as possible with a neuraminidase inhibitor
antiviral.
To view the complete CDC Health Advisory, visit https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/han00409.asp
With an increase in the number of influenza cases reported statewide, the Dutchess County
Department of Behavioral & Community Health is reminding residents and clinicians of the
importance of getting vaccinated against the flu when the virus is actively circulating. The
Department reminds clinicians to:
Recommend Influenza vaccination to patients 6 months of age and older who can be vaccinated,
especially those who are pregnant or at higher risk for complications. Vaccination should be
encouraged during the remainder of this season for as long as influenza viruses are circulating;
For individuals who cannot be vaccinated, especially infants less than 6 months of age, please
encourage influenza vaccination for anyone who may come into contact with the unvaccinated
individual, including siblings, caregivers, and family members.
Promptly start antiviral treatment of severely ill and high-risk patients if influenza is suspected or
confirmed, not waiting for laboratory confirmation nor prior influenza vaccination history.
For providers without a supply of influenza vaccine, vaccine is readily available throughout the
region, visit flu.gov for additional information and locations.
In addition, Section 2.59 of the New York State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR § 2.59) requires all Article 28,
36, or 40 regulated healthcare and residential facilities and agencies to ensure all personnel, as defined in
the regulation, not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or
procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents are typically present. For more
information, visit .http://health.ny.gov/FluMaskReg
