According to the New York State Department of Health, the flu is spreading in record numbers.
“In New York State, we are seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week,” NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “We are thoroughly reviewing hospital bed capacity data to better understand hospitalization trends and to manage any necessary response related to the impact of respiratory viral infections.”
A total of 71,123 positive cases were reported in the seven days ending December 20, according to the Ministry of Health. This is the most cases recorded in a single week since the introduction of influenza in 2004 and a 38% increase from the previous week.
Hospitalizations for the flu also rose 63 percent, from 2,251 the previous week to 3,666 statewide.
New York has reported 189,312 positive cases of the flu to date.
The high numbers are probably two to fewer people getting a seasonal flu shot this year. Only 23.9% of New Yorkers received the flu vaccine as of Dec. 24, according to was given; in Onondaga County it is slightly higher at 29.9%.
More than half of Americans typically get the seasonal flu vaccine, according to federal data. Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County’s health commissioner, said recently that more than 40% of county residents typically receive the shot by early December.
National and local vaccination rates have fallen since the Covid pandemic due to vaccine skepticism. Across the state, nearly 4 million fewer residents have received flu shots at this time compared to recent years.
And infections could continue to rise as families gather for the holidays, especially during the cold months. Flu season usually peaks in January, according to the Department of Health.
McDonald urged New Yorkers to protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated, staying home when sick and “practicing daily precautions. Flu is treatable in high-risk people with antivirals if given within 48 hours of symptoms.”
Other tips include:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
“It’s not too late to get a flu shot, and the flu vaccine is widely available for people 6 months of age and older,” the Department of Health said Friday. “Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and people age 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications from the flu.”
The seasonal flu vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu, the department added. Flu shots are available to New Yorkers age 2 and older at a health care provider’s office or participating pharmacies without a prescription; children 6 months and older can get the flu vaccine at a health care provider’s office.
For more information visit healthcare.ny.gov.
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