New York State is currently experiencing a significant surge in flu hospitalizations, with 4,546 individuals admitted during the week ending December 27, marking a 24% increase from the previous week’s 3,666 hospitalizations, according to the New York State Department of Health (NYSOH). This week also saw the state report a staggering 72,133 flu cases — the highest recorded in a single week — during the week ending December 20.
In light of the escalating situation, NYSDOH declared influenza as prevalent in New York, necessitating that unvaccinated healthcare staff wear masks in patient areas to help mitigate the spread of the virus. Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald noted, “We are having a more severe flu season than prior years, almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent seven-day period compared to the prior week.”
The flu activity is not isolated to New York, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a national spike in flu-related illnesses. To date, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths this flu season across the nation. Notably, New York is among 20 states identified as having “very high” levels of respiratory illness activity.
Public health experts have linked many of the reported cases to the emergence of a new flu strain known as subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 virus. This strain has been rapidly spreading since the summer, contributing to similar spikes in other countries, including Canada and the UK. The CDC analysis of 1,600 flu samples indicates that approximately 92% were H3N2, with nearly 90% belonging to subclade K.
With holiday gatherings and cold weather anticipated to further elevate flu cases, experts recommend that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine, which is widely available at healthcare facilities and participating pharmacies. Dr. McDonald emphasized the importance of vaccination, highlighting that there is still time for individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others. He also noted that antiviral medications are available for treating the flu if initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset.
As the flu season continues, public health officials remain focused on encouraging vaccination and effective management strategies to reduce the impact of this year’s flu outbreak.