New York Announce Emergency Flu

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Saturday (12/01/2013), declared health emergencies related to the flu epidemic which has infected more than 19,000 people. Conditions that would allow pharmacists to immunize infants and children.

Cuomo's move comes amid a national epidemic that is expected to last several weeks. Already there are at least 28,747 cases reported across the country this winter, and 20 children have died from the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the actual number of cases is likely much higher because many sick people do not go to the doctor for a checkup.

With the hope of limiting the spread of a potentially deadly virus, Cuomo said it was important to suspend, for 30 days, a provision of law which usually only allow a pharmacist in New York provide flu vaccine for patients aged 18 years or older.

"We are experiencing the worst flu season since at least 2009, and influenza activity in the State of New York widespread. Reported flu cases in all 57 districts and five regions of New York City," Cuomo said in a statement.

"Therefore, I have directed my administration, the state health department and others to gather all the resources needed to address public health emergencies and remove all obstacles to ensure that all New Yorkers, children and adults , have access to flu vaccines are urgently needed. "

In New York State alone, a total of 19,128 cases have been confirmed this season. That was up from a total of 4404 cases during the 2011-2012 flu season.

In order to facilitate access to flu immunization shots, New York Department of Health also launched a massive campaign to promote flu immunization through the media, websites, and social media like Facebook and Twitter. Coumo also encourage the citizens of New York that has not been immunized for flu vaccination schedule "soon." Coumo remind such people that "not too late to get vaccinated."

The Governor stressed, families and caregivers who regularly come into contact with children or people with high risk should get a shot to fight the flu virus, which can spread through coughing or sneezing.

Virus that pose a high risk for infants and children under two years of age, people aged over 50 years, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems or chronic medical conditions.

Flu attack every year throughout the United States, causing the sufferer chills, sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue. The death toll from the flu each year continues to increase. Most who died were aged 65 years or more.