That's the message New Yorkers need to know from the New York City Emergency Management Department's latest podcast series.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, deputy commissioner for the Division of Disease Control at the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, was the featured guest on the latest episode of "Prep Talk."
"Prep Talk" engages listeners on emergency management topics, as hosts talk to guests about keeping New York City safe and prepared before, during and after emergencies.
Dr. Daskalakis discussed the flu vaccine and debunked myths about this season's flu virus. The podcast identified who is at risk to contract the flu and whether you can get sick from the flu shot.
The podcast also informed the public of some of the best methods to prevent the flu virus. You can listen to this episode, Episode 6, on Soundcloud or iTunes.
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.
This year's flu season is turning out to be one of the worst, according to reports by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The season usually peaks from January through March, but can start as early as November and continue through late spring.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo called on all New Yorkers 6 months of age and over who have not yet received a flu shot to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
"With flu cases on the rise, New Yorkers should take steps to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their loved ones," Cuomo said. "I am directing the Department of Health to work with local providers to help protect our communities from this flu outbreak, and I urge all New Yorkers to visit local health centers and get vaccinated as soon as possible."
According to the New York City Health Department, the majority of flu-related deaths involve people with diabetes, heart or lung disease, people over the age of 65 and children under the age of 5.
While many healthy individuals who are infected with the flu will recover without issue, infants, toddlers, and those ages 65 years and older are at greater risk for developing serious complications.
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