WCBS Channel 2 news reports that 2 NYC children have died of the flu epidemic this season.

I asked the Roosevelt Island medical community today:

Have you seen any greater # of Flu Patients or more severe symptons this year among Roosevelt Island adults and children?

Roosevelt Island Urgent Care’s Steven Simanowitz replied:

At Roosevelt Island Urgent Care we have seen an increase in flu cases this year from previous years. This flu season has been one of the worst in recent memory. There is currently a national epidemic and we are here to help everyone fight it. It is not too late to get the flu shot and we have them in stock. We also recommend that if anyone starts feeling any symptoms of the flu they come in right away to be seen by a doctor, catching it early can help fight it.

So far we have been able to keep our patients from going to the hospital but we do monitor each patient and evey patient receives a follow up call within 1-2 days of their visit to see how they are doing and if there is anything else we can do for them.

Roosevelt Island pediatrician Doctor Kathy Grimm replied:

There is a true influenza outbreak this year. Both the Urgent Care and our practice have seen quite of number of affected patients.

Some patients have appeared more ill than others. Some had the flu vaccine this season and others not. Thus far the illness has been self limited and I hope it stays that way. There is always a risk of secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia.

It is critical that any one with the flu take care of themselves, and the very young, elderly and those with chronic lung or cardiac diseases should be treated with Tamiflu within 48 hours of onset of symptoms, which is usually fever.

The Center For Disease Control website is a good source of information.

Roosevelt Island’s Doctor Jack Resnick reports not seeing many flu cases among his patients so far but reports he currently has the flu. Roosevelt Island Urgent Care, Doctor Grimm and Doctor Resnick are all located at 520 Main Street. According to the NYC Office of Emergency Management:

Its not too late to get your flu shot. Thats the message Dr. Demetre Daskalakis Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Disease Control at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has for New Yorkers. Dr. Daskalakis is the feature guest on the latest episode of Prep Talk, the NYC Emergency Management Departments podcast series. Listen as Dr. Daskalakis discusses the efficacy of the flu vaccine and debunks some of the myths about this seasons flu virus. Find out whos most at risk to contract the flu, whether or not you can get sick from taking the flu shot, and learn some of the best methods of preventing the virus. For more information about where to get vaccinated, call 311, visit nyc.gov/flu to access the Flu Vaccine Locator, or text flu to 877877.

Be well but if you are feeling flu like symptoms, go see a Doctor right away. UPDATE 5;30 PM:

UPDATE 2/15: