The Flu

So far this year, roughly 11,500 people statewide needed to be hospitalized because of the illness. Sadly, the state has also confirmed two pediatric deaths.

This has not been the lead-in to the traditional school year here in Western New York. Parents are just finding out now if their kids will be in the classroom, doing remote learing or a mixture of the two.

Influenza, or the flu, is defined as a contagious respiratory illness caused by a viral infection that affects the lungs, mouth and throat. The stomach flu, on the other hand is the result of viruses in the gastrointestinal tract. Coughing, sneezing, or touching your mouth, eyes or nose can spread germs. The ...