Important Health News

Seasonal Flu

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination.

Every year seasonal flu affects millions of Americans and causes up to 36,000 flu-related deaths annually.  Some people, age 50 and older, children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.

To protect yourself and others from seasonal flu (influenza), Manhattan's Physician Group urges you to:

• Get the seasonal flu shot
• Take preventive actions to stop the spread of germs
• Take antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them 

Please note that seasonal flu typically does not peak until late January.  Many New Yorkers have already been exposed to H1N1 and it has been less serious than seasonal flu, with the exception of some pregnant women and younger children who have developed respiratory symptoms and should be considered for antivirals when ill.
 

For those who are at high risk for H1N1 or seasonal flu, please speak with your primary care physician or go to CDC or NYSDOMH web pages for more information.    

To learn more about H1N1 "Swine Flu," click on the links below for up to date information.

New York City Department of Health H1N1 (SO) "Swine Flu" Update section of their website

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) section of their website