Number of flu cases decreases for the first time

Last week, the number of lab-confirmed influenza cases declined in Onondaga County for the first time all flu season. The flu may have finally had its peak, according to The Post-Standard.

Last week there were 144 reported cases compared to 165 reported cases the week before, said Onondaga County’s Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow. Morrow said it may be too soon to tell if this is really the season’s peak but she said she does expect the numbers to slowly decline from here on out.

Although the number declined, many people in the community are still sick with the flu, Morrow said. In other words, although the number of confirmed cases has gone down, there are still vast amounts of people who are sick with the flu who haven't sought medical treatment or had tests done.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to sever illnesses. Sometimes it can even lead to death.

Even though Morrow has seen the numbers decline, Bob Allen, vice president of Crouse Hospital, says he has seen the numbers nearly triple in the past couple of weeks.

However, Dr. Robert Dracker, a pediatrician with offices in Liverpool and Camillus, said he has seen the number of flu cases taper off in the past recent weeks. He also said most of the cases he has seen have been mild.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid the flu. Dracker says the flu vaccine was very effective this season.

Morrow said people can avoid the flu by washing their hands, eating healthy and getting plenty of rest.