Flu Cases and Hospitalizations Tick up in New York

NEW YORK STATE — Cases of influenza and hospitalizations are increasing across New York, the state Department of Health announced earlier this week.

Officials are urging people to get vaccinated against the seasonal respiratory disease, and State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said recently that with flu prevalent statewide, health care workers who have not received this year’s vaccine should wear masks in certain settings. 

“We are seeing a significant increase in influenza hospitalizations and cases in New York state,” McDonald said in a statement. “If you haven’t already, today is a good day to get the current flu vaccine; it is safe and will lessen symptoms if you do get the flu.”

The flu shot is available to those 6 months and older. People aged 65 years and older, those with certain chronic medical conditions, young children and pregnant women are most in jeopardy of developing serious complications. 

During the week ending Dec. 21, there was an 86 percent increase in lab-confirmed influenza cases, and 648 hospitalized flu cases were reported to the state Department of Health, a 57 percent increase reported from the week prior. It was the sixth consecutive week of increases, the agency said. Through Dec. 21, there have been 40,132 confirmed cases statewide.

Current influenza information is available on the Health Department’s Flu Tracker, which provides information about local, regional and statewide flu activity. 

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventative actions can help stop the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home when sick; cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in the trash; and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For information, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal.