Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The flu season got a head start in Western New York, and one area doctor says the region has been hit hard this year. That's why it's more important this year to get a flu vaccine.
Flu season started two weeks earlier this year, says Dr. Tom Russo from the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine, and adds we've seen quite a large increase in cases.
"New York State has been hit harder than most parts of the country. It started in New York City, and it's spread to Western New York," explained Russo in an interview with WBEN.
Russo says it's not too late to get the influenza vaccine, and there's a particularly important reason this year.
"There's a new variant that's circulating. H3N2 has been with us since 1968 but this year, that particular subtype has new mutations that evades to a degree immunity built up previously, whether it's from infection or whether it's from prior vaccination," Russo explained.
The best means to protect yourself against this new variant is by getting the shot, says Dr. Russo.
"Data from England has showed that it although it will be imperfect in preventing infection, will force significant protection, both in children and adults, from landing in hospitals and developing more serious disease," he said.
If you feel sick during the holidays, Russo advises anyone to stay home.
"We do have tests over the counter for both COVID and influenza, and we have antiviral treatments for both, which are best when started early. So if you do develop respiratory tract and symptoms, it would be great if you could be tested," Russo said.
He adds testing can also be done at a variety of walk-in clinics.
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