Flu Taking Its Toll, Vaccine in Short Supply

It's the coughing. The runny nose. The fever. The "I can't get out of bed" feeling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that high flu activity is still continuing around the country, with influenza vaccines in short supply.

That echoes comments made by Dr. Joseph Ponticiello, the Emergency Department director at Sound Shore Medical Center in New Rochelle.

"Right now, we are looking at a flu epidemic," he said. "We have been inundated with patients with flu and flu-like symptoms."

Ponticiello said 154 people came to the hospital's emergency department Monday. That is a 30 percent increase over the number of people who normally come to the emergency room on a daily basis, he said, adding that it has been that way for the last couple of weeks.

Ponticiello said people are coming to the hospital with the initial flu symptoms of general fatigue and fever.

"We are picking up a fair amount of pneumonia also," he said.

Some patients, who have other medical issues, have been requiring intravenous fluids and chest x-rays.

Without hesitation, Ponticiello said, if people haven't already gotten flu shots, they should go ahead and get them.

"It's worth it," he said, "because you don't know what will happen in the next few months."

A report on ABC News said that flu activity is waning but the cold-weather virus could make a comeback.

Ponticiello said his department has tested over 120 people for the flu, with about 30 of those testing positive.

"I'm not sure if we've peaked yet," he said. "This moves across the country from west to east, so in the next week or two we will start to see a decline" in the number of patients.

In Yorktown and Somers, there has been a shortage of flu shots – many pharmacies are out and staff members are unsure when they might receive another supply. Flu shots were available to Yorktown residents, town employees and families by Dr. Richard Klein on Wednesday.

The Northern Westchester Hospital is offering flu clinics including one in Yorktown – on Tuesday, Jan. 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the NWH Yorktown Imaging Center located at 1940 Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights.

Caren Halbfinger, from the Westchester County Department of Health, said officials are currently surveying pharmacies to determine vaccine availability.

"While individual locations may have used up their supply, the state assures us there is sufficient supply available from manufacturers," Halbfinger said. "We also have links on our website where residents can find additional sources to call – both medical offices and pharmacies – and sources of vaccine for doctors and pharmacists who need additional supplies."

Pat Patel, a pharmacist in New Rochelle, said more customers are coming to his store looking for over-the-counter remedies for sore throat, runny nose and cough.

"People are buying lots of Lysol and Purell, too," Patel said.

Ponticiello said there are things one can do to help stave off getting the flu.

"The major thing is, if you are sick, stay home," he said. Other things that can be done include wiping down the phones, remote controls and game consoles—anything people handle.

"A lot of hand washing is a good idea," Ponticiello said.

He said it was a good idea to buy pocketbook-sized hand sanitizer and to use it frequently.

Anyone who wants to get a flu shot can call your primary-care physician, local pharmacy or check the HealthMap Vaccine Finder for locations based on ZIP Code. However, it would be best to call ahead to confirm if the vaccine is in stock.