Interview: Lewis County Public Health Deputy Director Anna Platz gives update on Flu situation locally

LOWVILLE- The first wave of flu sickness across the state and locally spiked very quickly.

That's according to our Deputy Director of Lewis County Public Health Anna Platz. "We were kind of anticipating it based on how flu presented its self in the southern hemisphere," she told us.

"People got sick and sick fast through this fall and early winter." Listen to our latest on-air coverage with Anna Platz here:

Influenza A was most common this fall and early winter, Platz added. However, she clarified that flu cases are trending downward.

As we work our way towards spring, she added that an influenza B wave is expected. 

Influenza and other respiratory illnesses are an annual occurrence during our winter months, but this year was expected to be especially significant for cases and so far, health experts have been on par. 

Below is some of the latest New York Department of Health Flu data:

Image via New York Department of Health.

Visit New York's flu tracker website to keep up with all of the latest statistics.

In addition to flu, Platz told us there appears to be an uptick with COVID, but hospitalizations locally remain at a steady level.  

Anyone who may have illness information requests and questions about vaccines, Lewis County Public Health serves as a resource of local officials willing to address whatever you may need. 

You can contact Lewis County Public Health at 315-376-5453. You can also check out their website.

Headline image via Anna Platz.