New Norovirus Variant

Posted on December 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Norovirus cases are rising as a new variant of the virus is spreading across the U.S., with 153 outbreaks being reported between August and November so far. This is compared to 235 outbreaks reported during this same period last year. This is due to a mutated variant of the virus called GII.17.

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is very common and highly contagious. Norovirus outbreaks occur most often between November and April in countries above the equator and between April and September in countries below the equator.

There are several symptoms of norovirus, including:

· Nausea

· Stomach pain

· Headache

· Fever

· Body aches

Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days. Norovirus symptoms are generally the same in both adults and children. Adults may experience more diarrhea than children, and children may vomit more than adults.

A virus in the Caliciviridae family causes norovirus. When the virus enters your body, it causes your stomach and intestines to swell or become inflamed. This is called gastroenteritis, which leads to norovirus symptoms.

There are many ways to contract the norovirus infection, including:

· Through close contact with someone who has the virus

· Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose

· Eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages

Norovirus is the biggest cause of illness from contaminated food in the U.S. The virus typically spreads when someone who has the virus touches food before serving it to someone else. Sometimes, certain foods such as oysters and other seafood are naturally contaminated with norovirus.

A healthcare provider can diagnose norovirus after learning about your symptoms. Testing isn’t usually necessary; however, testing may be done if you have an underlying medical condition that affects the performance of your immune system and your ability to fight infections. A healthcare provider may ask for a stool sample that they will test to confirm your diagnosis.

There isn’t a cure for the norovirus. Treatment for the infection focuses on relieving symptoms, which will go away in one to three days. You can manage the symptoms of norovirus by:

· Drinking plenty of fluids, especially those rich in electrolytes

· Getting a lot of rest

· Eating soft, bland foods

The norovirus is extremely difficult to kill as it can’t easily be washed away and can survive temperatures up to 145°F. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands vigorously with soap, cleaning any infected areas with diluted bleach, and washing infected clothes with hot water and detergent. The CDC also recommends wearing gloves and throwing them out after cleaning, which adds to your protection.

There are also many precautions you can take to reduce the risk of getting norovirus, including:

· Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them

· Cooking your food thoroughly (especially seafood or shellfish) or to an appropriate temperature

· Avoiding contact with people who are infected with norovirus

Please note that using hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus particles as effectively as washing your hands with soap and water. If you are infected with norovirus, you shouldn’t prepare food or care for others, as you can spread the infection.

If you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms of norovirus, schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center as soon as possible by calling (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Back to School Anxiety

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

August is coming to an end, and a new school year is fast approaching. And with it comes lots of anxiety for children.

Starting a new school or being away from parents can cause much anxiety in children. That anxiety fades for most children as the year progresses. But for others, it doesn’t. Here are some examples of behaviors that may indicate your child is continuing to struggle with anxiety:

Continually seeking reassurance or asking repeated, worried questions despite receiving an answer
Tantrums when separating from parents or caregivers before going to school
Increased complaints of experiencing headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue in the absence of an illness
A significant change in their sleep pattern, such as taking an hour to fall asleep, or waking up with worries during the night when they might typically sleep well
Difficulty getting along with family members or friends
Avoidance of normal activities in and outside of school

There could be many reasons why a child may have anxiety about going back to school. Some reasons can include:

A child with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may avoid going to school because it is hard for them to manage their anxiety there
A child who has been bullied may be afraid to go to school because their bully or bullies are there
A child with separation anxiety may be fearful that something terrible will happen to their parents if they are apart
A child with an undiagnosed learning disorder may be avoiding shame and embarrassment

Here are some tips to help ease back-to-school anxiety:

Approach anxiety instead of avoiding it
Practice school routines
Model behavior you’d like to see
Ensure they are getting enough sleep
Check in with stress levels
Talk to school mental health professionals
Blend back to school with fun activities, so the transition is less sudden
Arrange for a hand-off with someone the child knows and trusts
Listen to their worries

To learn more about our outpatient mental health services or to schedule a virtual appointment, please call (718) 670-5316 to speak with our intake coordinator or (718) 670-5562 to reach the clinic.

West Nile Virus

Posted on August 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Lately, there have been mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus in many U.S. states, including here in New York. West Nile virus is one of the leading mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S., with 98 cases reported so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since the first cases in the country were discovered by the late Dr. Deborah Asnis here at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in 1999, there have been over 51,000 symptomatic cases in the U.S.

The symptoms of West Nile virus include:

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

A rash that is concentrated around the chest and back

Swollen lymph nodes

Sore throat

Pain behind the eyes

West Nile virus can cause serious infections such as encephalitis and meningitis. Their symptoms include:

An intense, painful headache

A high fever above 103 degrees

A stiff neck

Confusion

Muscle weakness

Uncontrollable muscle movements such as tremors and convulsions

Seizures

Paralysis

Coma

West Nile virus can be diagnosed by testing your blood or cerebrospinal fluid to look for antibodies or other signs of infection. These tests are only performed if you’re seriously ill.

If you have signs of brain inflammation, you will need your brain scanned using a CT scan or MRI.

There are no specific medicines available to treat West Nile virus. Please note that antibiotics do not treat viruses.

Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications may relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.

If you become sick with severe symptoms, particularly after potential exposure to the West Nile virus, you must receive treatment from a doctor as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

How to Avoid Common Kid Injuries in the Summer

Posted on July 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The summer is a fun time for kids as they have more free time and can enjoy outdoor activities. However, more time for outdoor activities can create more opportunities for injuries at a higher rate.

Here are some common summer kid injuries and how to avoid them:

When kids are at the beach or pool, it is important to watch them when they are in and around the water. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure more experienced swimmers are with a partner every time. Designate a Water Watcher by choosing an adult to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be a Water Watcher.

It is also important to teach children how to swim. Every child is different, so enroll them in swimming lessons when they are ready. Consider their age, development, and how often they will be around water. Learn CPR and be ready in case of an emergency.

Sun exposure during daily activities and play can cause the most sun damage. Overexposure to sunlight before the age of 18 is most damaging to the skin. UV rays are strongest during summer months when the sun is directly overhead; this normally occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Use an SPF of 15-30 or higher sunscreen to block the sun’s rays. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it often during the day. Use broad-spectrum sunscreens that block the greatest amount of UVA and UVB rays.

The risk of a head injury is higher in the spring and summer months, with popular activities such as bike riding, skating, and skateboarding. Parents should seek medical attention for their child should any of the following occur after a head injury:

Vomiting

Alteration in mental state

Increased irritability, fussiness

A seizure

Weakness in parts of the body

A bad headache

Wearing a helmet can prevent brain injuries and should become a habit. Helmets that fit properly can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%.

Summer is a rare time when children can enjoy trampolines. However, trampoline jumping can pose a high risk of injury for children. The activity can result in sprains and fractures in the arms or legs, as well as head and neck injuries. If you allow your child to use a trampoline, follow these important safety rules:

- Always have adult supervision when children use the trampoline

- Use safety nets and pads. Cover the trampoline’s frame, springs, and surrounding landing surfaces

- Place home trampolines at ground level, as a fall from a higher surface can increase the risk of injury

- Make sure the trampoline is set at a safe distance from trees and other hazards

- Allow only one person to use the trampoline at a time

- Don’t allow flying somersaults or other potentially risky moves on the trampoline without proper supervision, instruction, and proper use of protective equipment such as a harness

- Don’t allow unsupervised jumping. If you use a trampoline ladder, always remove it after use to prevent unsupervised access by children

Summertime fireworks can be fun on holidays like the Fourth of July. However, it is important to make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety. If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave lighting fireworks to the professionals

When barbecuing or grilling, it is important to make sure children stay a safe distance from the grill. Make it a point to:

- Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill

- Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately

- Be aware of charcoal that may still be hot in grills and fire pits. They can burn children even when there isn’t a fire

- Always supervise children around outdoor grills

If your child has suffered an injury, you can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007. If they are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Tips for Exercising During Warmer Months

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Most of our time during the summer is spent outdoors enjoying the fresh air and participating in warm-weather activities such as exercise. Exercising outdoors offers many benefits. However, when temperatures increase, it can become challenging or potentially dangerous to our health.

Heat illnesses or emergencies can occur with exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Dehydration can occur when the body’s fluids are lost by sweating and aren’t replaced. Even being slightly dehydrated can make you feel sick and put you at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Therefore, it is important to know how to protect yourself while exercising in the summer heat. Here are some tips to keep in mind when it’s warm outside:

Try to avoid exercising outside in the early afternoon as it is usually hottest between noon and 3 p.m.

Drink water before, during, and after physical activity, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring a bottle of water with you, or plan water stops along your route.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Moisture-wicking fabric can also help keep you cool during a workout. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat or visor, and plenty of sweat-resistant sunscreen.

Take frequent breaks in the shade and drink water before you get thirsty. Allow yourself time to adapt to the heat. Keep in mind that you may not be able to work out as long or as hard as usual when it’s very hot.

Work out with a partner if you can. Not only for safety purposes, but also because it is socially interactive and fun.

Try a variety of light, healthy pre- and post-workout snacks that can help you stay cool, such as:

- Chilled or frozen fruit

- Homemade ice pops made from 100% fruit juice or fat-free/low-fat milk

- Fruit smoothies

- Cold salads loaded with vegetables, beans, legumes, and heart-healthy fish such as albacore tuna or salmon

- Crisp, chilled raw veggies, including cucumbers, carrots, or celery, with a light, cool dip

- Cold sparkling water with a splash of 100% fruit juice or slices of citrus or cucumber

If you are having difficulty tolerating the heat, don’t skip your workout or physical activity. You can find indoor locations where you can be active, discover activities you can do at home or work, or adjust your workout schedule to early morning or late evening when it’s cooler outside instead.

It is important to check with your healthcare provider before starting an exercise routine or working out outdoors if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other chronic diseases, or any medical concerns. Certain medications, including beta blockers, ACE receptor blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.

If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

UV Safety Month

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is UV Safety Month. It is observed to highlight the importance of protecting our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation is released by the sun and provides vitamin D to the body to help it survive. However, too much sun exposure can damage the skin and cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation based on the size of the wavelength. They include:

UVA causes the skin to wrinkle, tan, and/or burn. Too much exposure leads to skin cancer

UVB can damage the outermost layers of the skin. It can cause sunspots, tanning, sunburn, and blistering, which can lead to skin cancer

UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere

Anyone can get skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation. People who are the greatest risk of skin cancer are people who have:

Fair skin

Freckled skin

Skin that burns easily, light eyes

Blonde or red hair

People who have a darker skin tone can get skin cancer, but their risk is lower than people who have a lighter skin tone.

There are other risk factors other than a person’s complexion that can cause skin cancer, including:

Having a biological family history or personal history of skin cancer

Having an outdoor job or spending a lot of time in the sun

Living in a sunny climate

Having a history of severe sunburns

Having large and irregularly shaped moles

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to the skin. Changes are typically a new mole, a new skin lesion or sore, or a change to an existing mole.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small pearly, or waxy bump on your face or neck, or as a flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly, flat lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty

Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may resemble a normal mole but usually has a more irregular appearance

While it isn’t possible to completely prevent skin cancer or undo previous effects of ultraviolet radiation and sun damage, there are steps to take to reduce risk:

Applying sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater thirty minutes before sun exposure and then every two to three hours after. Reapply sooner if you get wet or sweat significantly

Wearing sunglasses with total UV protection

Using cosmetic products that offer UV protection

Avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Performing skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing skin growths and to notice any changes or new growths

When choosing the right sunscreen, it is important to know the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreen, or organic or physical sunscreen, is known for having a heavier, thicker texture than chemical sunscreen. It has active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients work as a shield against the sun’s rays because the sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface reflecting the UV rays away from it.

There are benefits to using mineral sunscreen, such as it being good for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it offers immediate protection. There are also some drawbacks to using mineral sunscreen, such as it takes longer to apply and leaves a white cast on the skin.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. The chemical compounds in chemical sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Using chemical sunscreen has many advantages as it is easy to apply, transparent on the skin, and it comes with water-resistant formulations. Some disadvantages are that it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, it isn’t immediately effective, and it has to be absorbed into the skin.

Whichever type of sunscreen you use depends on your personal preference. Using either mineral or chemical sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.

If you want to know which ingredients may affect you, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine which sunscreen is best.

If you or a loved one has warning signs of skin cancer, you can speak to a doctor by scheduling an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Preparing for Allergy Season

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Spring has arrived, and with it comes longer days, warmer weather, and the blooming of trees and flowers. However, as trees and flowers bloom they release pollen, causing those who suffer from seasonal allergies to experience allergy symptoms. Spring allergy symptoms can include:

Runny nose
Watery eyes
Sneezing
Itchy eyes and nose
Dark circles under your eyes.

Some ways you can reduce your exposure to allergy triggers include:

Staying indoors on dry, windy days. The best time to go outside is after a good rain, which helps clear pollen from the air.
Avoiding garden chores like mowing the lawn and pulling weeds that stir up allergens.
Removing clothes worn outside and showering to rinse pollen from your skin and hair.
Avoid hanging laundry outside because pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Wearing a face mask when doing chores outside.
Checking your local TV or the internet for pollen forecasts and the current pollen levels.
Taking allergy medication before symptoms start or if high pollen counts are forecasted.
Closing doors and windows at night when there are high pollen counts.
Avoiding outdoor activity when pollen counts are highest.

There isn’t a miracle product that can get rid of all allergens from the air in your home, but ways to keep indoor air clean include:

Using air conditioning in your house.
Using high-efficiency filters if you have a forced air conditioning or heating system, and following regular maintenance schedules.
Keeping indoor air dry with a dehumidifier.
Using a portable HEPA filter in your bedroom.
Cleaning floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter regularly.

Here are some over-the-counter medications that can help ease allergy symptoms:

Oral antihistamines
Corticosteroid nasal sprays
Cromolyn sodium nasal spray
Oral decongestants

If you are experiencing seasonal allergy symptoms, you can get an allergy test and treatment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Staying Safe from the Quad-emic of the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and the Norovirus

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Winter is usually a prime season for flu and RSV cases to rise. However, in recent years, COVID-19 and norovirus infections have been added to the list of winter illnesses creating a “quad-emic”. A quad-emic means these four viral illnesses are spreading simultaneously.

It is important to know when you, a loved one, or a child are showing signs and symptoms of any of the four illnesses to seek immediate care. These contagious viruses can cause health complications and hospitalization, especially for those in high-risk populations if they are left untreated. High-risk people include:

Children
Elderly people
Pregnant women
Those with preexisting health conditions such as asthma and heart conditions

Influenza is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). Flu cases typically rise in the winter. A flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection, but it is still possible to get the flu if stronger strains form or if you are considered high-risk.

COVID-19 is a respiratory tract infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is highly contagious and symptoms vary from person to person. Even if you are vaccinated or have immunity from a past infection, you may still be at risk as new variants form.

Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms are similar to COVID-19 and the flu and are very dangerous for infants, young children, and older adults.

Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu causes vomiting and diarrhea and is extremely contagious.

Symptoms of the quad-emic illnesses include:

Fever
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Runny nose
Body aches
Sore throat
Headache
Loss of taste or smell
Fatigue

Treatment will vary by severity of the symptoms and by diagnosis. Some cases can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications, but others may need prescription medication. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best treatment plan. If you are considered high-risk, they will monitor your symptoms to ensure they aren’t getting worse.

Ways to help to reduce the risk of infection include:

Practicing good hygiene such as washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing
Staying isolated if you are feeling sick to avoid spreading it to others
Getting vaccinated for the flu and COVID-19

If you are experiencing any of these quad-emic illness symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Flu Season Precautions

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

We are in December and physician’s offices and hospital emergency rooms are reporting flu cases. No one wants to catch the flu, so it is important to take proper precautions to help keep you and others healthy.

Here are a few ways we can prevent getting the flu:

Everyone who is six months and older should get vaccinated every year
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
Keep hand sanitizer handy for the times when soap and water aren’t available
Avoid touching your hands to your eyes, nose, and mouth
Disinfect surfaces that are frequently used by others often
Clean your drinking glasses and dishes with hot soapy water
Keep your immune system healthy by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting a good night’s sleep
Tobacco can suppress the immune system, so it is recommended to quit smoking

If you are experiencing flu symptoms, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

Winter Dehydration

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Patrick Hercules

Dehydration in the winter may seem less likely than in the summertime, but it is still a risk. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the recommended amount of daily fluid intake is around 15.5 cups for men and 11.5 for women. For many of us, it might be harder to reach these quantities during the winter months.

Some causes of winter dehydration include:

Indoor heat
Bundling up in too many layers
Lack of thirst
Fluid loss from respiration
More frequent urination

There are many signs of dehydration, including:

The color of your urine
Constipation
Fatigue
Dry mouth and chapped lips
Dry skin
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Feeling faint or dizzy
A rapid heart rate

Here are some tips for staying hydrated in the winter:

Drink warm fluids if it is too difficult to drink cold water when it’s cold outside.
Infuse plain water by adding flavorings such as a wedge of lemon or lime, other pieces of fruit, or unsweetened water enhancers.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to encourage daily hydration.
Eat homemade soups and water-rich fruits and vegetables to help increase fluid intake.
Avoid drinking caffeine as it can contribute to dehydration.
Swap drinking an alcoholic beverage for a mocktail.
Make hydration a routine by drinking a certain amount of water daily.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications and potentially death. For less severe cases, you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486.