Do your part to prevent the spread of influenza
Do your part to prevent the spread of the flu
Concerns about the flu outbreak continue to grow as large numbers of people are coming down with the virus. Influenza can be deadly. Just this week, a 10-year-old boy from Connecticut died from complications caused by the flu.
Not only are young children at risk but so are the elderly and those who have chronic health conditions.
Taking care of sick people is also a big concern for healthcare workers.
After the New York State Health Department announced that influenza was prevalent in NYS on December 13, 2017, the New York State Nurses Association reminded it members that all workers who could potentially expose patients or residents to the flu must either receive a flu vaccine, or wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients are typically present.
Health officials are warning ill people to not visit health care facilities, like nursing homes, because you could be putting many patients at risk for deadly complications from the flu.
7 Eyewitness News Reporter Ed Reilly went to the Elderwood at Amherst facility to see what steps are being taken to keep everyone safe from the flu.