Flu cases surge in Monroe County as new strain emerges

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Health leaders in Monroe County are raising concerns about a potentially tougher flu season in Western New York as a new strain called subclade K circulates.

BACKGROUND: Experts warn H3N2 flu variant could rival last year’s severe season | There are almost 4 times as many flu cases in New York as there were this time last year

The number of flu cases in the county rapidly increased throughout the month of November, according to the county’s respiratory illness surveillance dashboard.

Data shows there were 456 positive cases reported between Nov. 23 and 29. That was up from 275 cases between Nov. 16 and 22, and just 89 positive cases between Nov. 9 and 15.

“Monroe County just declared flu season very recently here and we have really seen an uptick in cases over the last week or so,” said Danielle Webster, assistant director of ambulatory pharmacy for Highland Hospital.

Webster emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated.

“The key is to get a flu shot,” she said. “It’s really not too late to get vaccinated for the flu, especially with more holidays upon us here in the next few weeks.”

Health leaders are urging residents who contract a respiratory virus to consider telehealth or urgent care services in order to to avoid long wait times at hospitals.

The potential spread during large gatherings this holiday season is top of mind for many.

“That’s what worries me, because you’re going to be in these gathering with people that you know, and you’re just hoping that a lot of people got the shot and you don’t pick something up,” one woman said during an interview Tuesday with 13WHAM.

CLICK HERE for more information on the county’s immunization program.