Hudson Valley pharmacies, urgent cares see increase in flu, RSV cases
Grassy Sprain Pharmacy in Yonkers is buzzing with customers, many say they've already received their flu and COVID vaccines.
More Stories
Flu and RSV cases are on the rise, impacting local pharmacies and urgent cares in the Hudson Valley.
Grassy Sprain Pharmacy in Yonkers was buzzing with customers Tuesday, many say they've already received their flu and COVID vaccines.
Owner Anthony Ciarletta said many people took home more than turkey from their Thanksgiving gatherings.
"We are seeing a variety of strep throat, the flu, COVID, RSV common cold," he said.
Viral illnesses often spike around the holidays which is why Ciarletta said he planned ahead.
"We make sure we are stocked we make sure we have a large compliment of different antibiotics cause around this time of year sometimes there are shortages of antibiotics," he said.
State health data shows while flu cases are climbing, they are still significantly lower than this time last year.
New cases are driving people to urgent cares.
"We are seeing cough, body aches, sore throat, fatigue and chills," said AFC Urgent Care nurse practitioner Ashley Hatzidakis.
Hatzidakis said your best defense is to get vaccinated against the flu, RSV and COVID.
"Antibodies can form within weeks of getting the flu vaccine so the earlier the better," she said.
It's also recommended to stay home when sick to prevent the spread of illness.
