BY GABRIELLE KROEGER
For North Country This Week

Public Health officials are urging residents to get their vaccinations as the flu and other respiratory illnesses sweep St. Lawrence County.

“It is one of the worst flu seasons we have seen in a decade,” St. Lawrence County Public Health Director Jolene Munger said.  “It started earlier than usual and it’s begun to affect our school attendance, and not just school attendance, but employee attendance.”

The rise in sickness could put a strain on local healthcare facilities and has already impacted schools leading into the holiday season. 

Recently, Canton Central School reported that excessive absenteeism was due to seasonal illnesses. Other districts in the county have raised similar concerns. At a recent St. Lawrence County meeting St. Lawrence County Administrator Ruth Doyle noted the county had also seen a rise in employee illness. 

Evidence of the widespread illness can be seen at local pharmacies where children’s medicine shelves are sometimes empty.

Get Your Shots

“Since Dec. 1, we have had 250 lab confirmed cases of the flu (in St. Lawrence County),” Munger said. “Now that does not count tests that are done at a doctor’s office, those aren’t reported to our lab system.”

Last year, Public Health officials documented only 31 positive flu cases in the county. Not as many people have gotten the flu shot this year, which is causing it to spread more rapidly.

“Right now, we know that this year’s flu vaccine is a good match for the strands that are circulating, but not as many people have gotten their flu shot this year so we aren’t seeing the level of protection that we have in previous years,” Munger said.

St. Lawrence County Public Health Department offers flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for all people over the age of six months. Those over 65, are encouraged to get the stronger 65+ flu vaccination at an area pharmacy.

 COVID-19 test kits and masks can be picked up free of charge in the Human Services Building at 80 State Highway 310 Canton.

Holiday Spike

The number of positive cases began rising alongside the holiday season because of the number of people traveling. 

“The week after Thanksgiving this year, we had more than a 300% increase in positive flu cases in St. Lawrence County compared to the week before and that was when everyone was traveling and gathering for the holiday,” Munger said.

As people prepare for Christmas, it is important to take preventative measures, especially if you are traveling. Everyone should get their vaccinations and continue to wash their hands.

“In the upcoming months with people going to travel with others, without any mitigation strategies like masking, or staying home when sick, diligent hand washing and vaccinations, we’re expecting the flu to continue spreading in the coming weeks,” Munger said. 

People should begin to take precautions to prevent spreading the illness during the holidays. Flu shots are highly recommended and they are available for free at Public Health, or any local pharmacy.

Triple Threat

Public Health also released a statement saying the North Country is facing a “triple threat” with COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. These illnesses target younger and older people, as well as people with weak immune systems. By getting your flu shot, COVID vaccine, and taking preventative measures, you can help stop the spread of these viruses. 

According to the CDC, flu season does not typically start until December, but this year it began in the week after Thanksgiving. The intensity of the flu is different every year, but this year has been particularly strong. 

The county is still facing a large number of positive COVID-19 cases, as well as RSV. This flu season is hitting hard, and with the other illnesses in the mix, people need to be doing everything they can to stop the spread of germs. 

“Stay home when you’re sick. That’s another big thing, don’t feel like you need to go out and doing things when you don’t feel well,” Munger said. “No one wants to get sick.”