Flu “Prevalent” in US State: Cases Soar 75%, Warn Officials

United States: Influenza has become “prevalent” in New York state – with New York City volumes rising over 70 percent week over week, as “record” holiday travel is foreseeable at the airports of the region.

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The declaration came on Wednesday from the state Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, who advised people over six months to get immunized against the flu.

New figures from the county health department through December 14 stand at 23,313 flu cases from 60 counties this season.

The state Health Department has recorded more than 23,000 positive flu cases in New York this year. State leaders are urging everyone, not just medical professionals, to get this year’s flu vaccine. https://t.co/TJJ4ApqYia

— Spectrum News 1 ROC (@SPECNews1ROC) December 20, 2024

In NYC, week over week, lab-confirmed flu cases are at 72 percent higher than the previous week, rising from 2501 to 4300, according to data.

Overall, cases are up by 75 percent from the previous week, up from 2058 cases outside New York City to 3,603, audacy.com reported.

Rising Flu-related hospitalizations

Flu-related hospitalizations rose 48 percent, from 270 the prior week to 399 in total across the state.

The health department release came as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it anticipated that more than 13.8 million people used its airports and vehicle bridges during the year-end travel period between December 21 and January 2.

During the 13-day festival, 5.2 million passengers used John F Kennedy, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, and Stewart airports, and 8.6 million vehicles used bridges and tunnels.

Mask mandates have returned to try to protect US citizens in New York, New Jersey and California.#H5N1 H5N1, HPAI, Avian Flu, Bird Flu, SARS-CoV-2, RSV
https://t.co/xQo8cSf1VM

— MOWSA Make Our World Safe Again (@MOWSA5) December 19, 2024

Actually, flu season can reach its peak in January or February. The current flu reports can be found here; the health department also has a flu tracker, audacy.com reported.

The flue is now deemed as “prevalent,” and healthcare workers in healthcare and residential facilities and agencies under the state Health Department are required to wear surgical or procedure masks when they are not vaccinated against the flu, officials said.

The Department of Health urged those who are six months and older to get a flu vaccine, calling it “a safe and effective way to protect against infection and lessen the symptoms if you get sick.”