New York State has reported a rise in influenza cases and hospitalizations, with weekly hospitalization figures surpassing previous winter peaks. Health officials have declared influenza "prevalent" across the state and anticipate further increases in cases. The current flu season is identified as more severe than previous years, with a specific H3N2 variant, subclade K, circulating.
Overview of Flu Activity
New York State is experiencing an increase in influenza activity, characterized by a higher number of laboratory-confirmed cases and a rise in hospitalizations. Dr. James McDonald, the State Health Commissioner, noted the current flu season's increased severity and indicated that the season's peak has not yet been reached. Factors such as recent holiday gatherings and colder weather are considered contributors to continued viral transmission. New York is currently among 20 states reporting "very high" levels of respiratory illness activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Case and Hospitalization Data
For the seven-day period ending December 20, state officials documented 72,133 new laboratory-confirmed flu infections, representing a 38% increase from the prior week. Influenza-related hospitalizations have also increased.
- During the week ending December 20, a total of 3,666 New Yorkers required inpatient care, up from 2,251 the preceding week.
- For the week ending December 27, flu-related hospitalizations rose to 4,546, marking a 24% increase from the previous week's total of 3,666.
Hospital capacity is under continuous monitoring, with current operations reported as stable.
Public Health Directives and Recommendations
Earlier in December, state health officials declared influenza "prevalent" across New York. This designation mandates that unvaccinated healthcare personnel wear masks when interacting with patients and residents in healthcare facilities, reflecting widespread transmission across all regions.
Recommendations for the public include:
- Individuals experiencing flu symptoms, particularly children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, should contact their doctors regarding antiviral treatments. Antiviral medication is most effective if initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Those feeling ill are advised to avoid work or family visits to prevent further transmission.
- Immunocompromised individuals or those with serious underlying diseases are encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 masks in crowded indoor environments.
Vaccination Status and Strain Information
State health officials emphasize the continued importance of flu vaccination. While this year's vaccination rate aligns with previous years, the current flu strain is noted as more severe. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for individuals aged 6 months and older, with few exceptions. The vaccine is available at healthcare providers' offices or participating pharmacies for individuals aged 2 years and older, and at healthcare providers' offices for children aged 6 months and older.
Public health experts have identified subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 virus (a subtype of influenza A), as a contributing factor to many of this season's cases. This strain has been in circulation internationally since the summer and was associated with an increase in flu cases in Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Approximately 92% of about 1,600 flu samples tested by the CDC were H3N2, with nearly 90% of those belonging to subclade K.
Co-circulating Respiratory Viruses and National Context
In addition to influenza, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continue to circulate in New York State. State data indicates that COVID-19 hospitalizations have remained relatively stable in recent weeks, and RSV activity has shown smaller increases compared to influenza.
Nationally, flu activity is also increasing. The CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths from flu this season to date across the United States.