Emergency department visits for influenza-related symptoms jumped 19 percent in New York since November, the city’s Department of Health announced Wednesday, urging people to get flu shots.

“Influenza is here, but it is not too late to protect yourself and your family,” said City Health Commissioner Thomas R. Frieden.” Influenza can be deadly for older people and young children.”

He urged those who get influenza to cover their cough and stay home if they have a fever.

The Health Department calls for vaccination for adults age 50 and over, especially those over 65, children between 6 months and 5 years and people with chronic medical conditions, health care workers, and pregnant women, because they are at especially high risk of complications and death.

Influenza is a leading cause of death among people aged 65 and older and kills thousands of New Yorkers every year, the department said.

Influenza is much more severe than a cold, appearing suddenly and lasting a week or longer. Symptoms include cough, fever, and body aches.

Source:Xinhua