The latest weekly figures on the flu in Monroe County show an increase in confirmed cases, but no additional deaths. There have been 9 deaths related to flu so far this season.
The data shows that from January 27th to February 3rd, there were 686 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu, bringing the season total so far to 3,012.
County health department spokesman John Ricci says there’s no sign yet that flu season has peaked.
“A couple of weeks ago we did see a downturn from the week prior, and we were hoping that might have signaled we had reached the peak, but then the following week the numbers picked up and the week after that, the numbers picked up yet again, so no, we have not peaked yet,” Ricci told WXXI News.
He says historically, the bulk of the flu cases are in January and February, so the current increase is not all that unusual. But Ricci says this season did start earlier than in recent years.
Ricci says it is still not too late to get a flu shot if you haven’t had one yet. He says normally, flu season goes through at least March, and sometimes into April or May.
Besides getting vaccinated, Ricci says the health department recommends frequent hand washing, and staying home from work or school if you think you may have the flu.
