Erie County Health Department Confirms Rise In Flu Cases With Area Children

It's true flu cases are on the rise in Western New York.  What's particularly troubling is that many of those getting ill are children.

Channel 4 follow the situation,

There have been more than 700 cases in the last two weeks in Erie County. This time last year, there were 100 cases.  Doctor Joseph Chow says it’s unclear why more people are getting the flu now.

Usually flu season starts in late fall and hangs around until late spring.

Hospitals across Western New York are seeing a rise in flu cases earlier than usual. Doctor Chow says doctors are also seeing more patients with the flu B strain. This strain typically effects younger adults and children.

Doctor Chow adds,

Both the A and B viruses have similar symptoms of body aches, fever and fatigue.

So, how to prevent?

To prevent the flu from spreading this season, people stopped by the Walmart on Waldon Ave to get their flu shot.  “It’s very important to be proactive and not wait until you’re sick,” said Walmart Pharmacist Jane Ringle.

But there is more you can do,

Doctor Chow says " just wash your hands very frequently, if you’re going to cough, cough into your sleeve if you have fevers or if you’re ill stay home call your doctor... So pretty similar things, get plenty of rest eat well because even though there’s variations in the flu each year a lot of the same things we’re saying to prevent it are still true today.”

So, get the shot, wash your hands, and get rest.