The death of a young community activist in the City of Newburgh has sent an entire community into mourning.
Rebekah Grohl was just 22 when her untimely death on January 5 sent shockwaves through the city. She was involved in numerous committees and organizations in Newburgh. She volunteered at every single event and was a campaign volunteer for State Senator James Skoufis, Orange County Legislator Kevindaryan Lujan and boyfriend Steven Manage, who ran for City Council last year. She attended every city council meeting. She worked two jobs and still made time for her friends.
What is perhaps most stunning about this immeasurable loss is the cause of death. Her killer was the flu.
“When I got home from the hospital I called my daughter and told her to stop dragging her feet and go get the flu shot,” said one friend who was with her at the end. “I actually argued with Rebekah about the flu shot a few weeks ago. She was terrified of needles. What an awful waste.”
Sadly, it was another reminder of just how deadly this flu season has been. During the week ending January 4, 10,085 laboratory-confirmed flu cases were reported to the State Department of Health, a nine percent increase in cases from the week prior. This flu season, 32,848 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported to the New York State Department of Health. The number of weekly hospitalizations has also increased, with 1,964 New Yorkers hospitalized for lab confirmed influenza, up 34 percent from last week.
The Orange County Health Department, this week, issued a reminder that it’s not too late to get a flu shot if you haven’t received one already. Dr. Irina Gelman, Orange County Health Commissioner, notes that the flu season can actually last into May and that the symptoms of the flu can vary from mild to severe, and often develop quickly. Those symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and/or diarrhea. According to the Center for Disease Control, in addition to getting an annual flu shot, it’s important to take preventive measures to stop the spread of germs, including the following:
• If you are sick, limit contact with others. If sick with flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze and dispose of used tissues immediately.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water aren’t available.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
Age-appropriate vaccinations are recommended for anyone above the age of six months. In addition to reducing the threat of contracting the flu virus, a vaccination can also reduce the symptoms of anyone who does suffer from it.
It’s better to be safe, and smart, this winter.