Flu Season Hits Hard in New York, Officials Urge Vaccination Amid Winter Holiday Gatherings
A surge in flu cases has arrived in New York, with a significant increase in hospitalizations and lab-confirmed cases over the past month. According to data from the state Department of Health, more than 14,500 cases were reported last week, up 80% from the previous week, while nearly 800 individuals were hospitalized with the flu - a 93% jump from the week before.
Health officials are sounding the alarm, urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated against not only the flu but also COVID-19 and RSV as they prepare to gather with friends and family during the winter holidays. The state's Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, warned of a more severe flu season due to circulating strains of the virus compared to last year.
While 3.4 million New Yorkers had received their flu shots by mid-November, this is a slight drop from the same period last year when 3.5 million shots were administered statewide. Furthermore, COVID vaccination numbers have also plummeted 30% so far this season, sparking concerns about reduced protection against both viruses.
The recent fall saw a period of confusion over access to COVID-19 vaccinations as federal guidance shifted, but Governor Kathy Hochul has since extended an executive order allowing pharmacies to administer shots to all children older than 3. A new regional public health collaborative recommends the shots for those six months and older.
However, other respiratory viruses are also on the rise, with RSV cases increasing by 17% over the past week. The state reports 15 outbreaks in nursing homes and 13 in hospitals so far this season, but fortunately, there have been no pediatric deaths from COVID-19, flu, or RSV reported in New York this season.
As flu season intensifies, officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent severe illness and protect vulnerable populations. With winter holidays approaching, residents are advised to take precautions to minimize their risk of infection and ensure a safer holiday season for themselves and their loved ones.
A surge in flu cases has arrived in New York, with a significant increase in hospitalizations and lab-confirmed cases over the past month. According to data from the state Department of Health, more than 14,500 cases were reported last week, up 80% from the previous week, while nearly 800 individuals were hospitalized with the flu - a 93% jump from the week before.
Health officials are sounding the alarm, urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated against not only the flu but also COVID-19 and RSV as they prepare to gather with friends and family during the winter holidays. The state's Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, warned of a more severe flu season due to circulating strains of the virus compared to last year.
While 3.4 million New Yorkers had received their flu shots by mid-November, this is a slight drop from the same period last year when 3.5 million shots were administered statewide. Furthermore, COVID vaccination numbers have also plummeted 30% so far this season, sparking concerns about reduced protection against both viruses.
The recent fall saw a period of confusion over access to COVID-19 vaccinations as federal guidance shifted, but Governor Kathy Hochul has since extended an executive order allowing pharmacies to administer shots to all children older than 3. A new regional public health collaborative recommends the shots for those six months and older.
However, other respiratory viruses are also on the rise, with RSV cases increasing by 17% over the past week. The state reports 15 outbreaks in nursing homes and 13 in hospitals so far this season, but fortunately, there have been no pediatric deaths from COVID-19, flu, or RSV reported in New York this season.
As flu season intensifies, officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent severe illness and protect vulnerable populations. With winter holidays approaching, residents are advised to take precautions to minimize their risk of infection and ensure a safer holiday season for themselves and their loved ones.
! It's like, can't we just get a break from all this sick stuff? 
But seriously, it's crazy how many cases are popping up in NYC right now. I mean, 14,500 cases in one week? That's wild 
. And with the holidays coming up, it's going to be even more chaotic. I'm like, totally getting my flu shot ASAP 
and making sure all my loved ones do too. But can we talk about how crazy it is that COVID vaccination numbers have plummeted by 30%? Like, what's going on? 
And RSV cases are on the rise too... it's like our immune systems just need a reboot 
️. I'm all for taking precautions and getting vaccinated, but can't we just get some peace of mind? 
! I mean, can't we just learn from last year's mistakes? The numbers are crazy - 14,500 cases in one week alone?! And hospitalizations are up 93%... what's going on with these vaccines?! Only 3.4 million shots have been given so far, which is like, what, half the number of last year?! And now COVID vaccination numbers are plummeting too? It's like people are forgetting about all this! 
What's next, a new super strain of flu or something?! The government's always pushing for more shots and tests, but when does it stop?! I'm not saying don't get vaccinated, but come on, can we just be more cautious? 
. i guess we should all just get vaccinated and hope our immune systems are like, "yeah, i got this" 
. btw, have you seen the lines for the flu shot lately? it's like trying to get a tiktok influencer to do a duet with u 
. prioritize those vaxxers, fam! 
I'm so glad they're reminding everyone to get vaccinated, especially with all the holiday gatherings coming up 
. We gotta look out for each other, esp our elderly neighbors who might not be able to protect themselves as well 
. If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, DO IT ASAP! 
. Like, hospitalizations have increased by 93% over the past few weeks which is crazy! 
Health officials are really pushing for everyone to get vaccinated not just against the flu but also COVID-19 and RSV as people are gonna be hangin out with fam and friends during the holidays 
. They're tryin to make it easier for pharmacies to give shots to kids over 3 but some respiratory viruses are also on the rise with RSV cases goin up by 17% 
.
Flu season is like, SO bad rn in New York!!! 
I feel so bad 4 everyone who's getting sick, esp those vulnerable ppl 
Dr. James McDonald's right, thos circulating strains r nasty 
And omg, 30% drop in COVID vaccination numbers?!? That's like, super concerning 
Wear masks, wash our hands, and get vaccinated!!! 
. I know some people are hesitant because of all the conflicting info out there, but I think it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health 
they're sayin 14k+ cases last wk and nearly 800 ppl hospitalized 
3.4 mil shots taken so far but still a drop from last yr 
governor kathy highul extended the executive order tho 
We need to take care of ourselves and our loved ones during this time. I'm so over Zoom meetings and social distancing. Let's get back to normal life already! 
you guys need to get vaccinated ASAP!!! 
3.4 mil shots were given by mid nov but still 30% down from last year lol what's going on?! 
.
So why can't we just get it together and take some basic precautions, you know? 
. Like, Governor Hochul is literally saving lives over there with her executive order 
.
but seriously though, 14k+ cases is a big number. gotta give props to gov hochul for extending the exec order on covid vaccines - that's a huge help! 
! Seriously though, 14k+ cases in one week? That's wild! And don't even get me started on the hospitals being flooded... it's like a real-life game of Flu-Tag 
14k+ cases last week? that's wild! and with winter holidays coming up, it's going to be even more crowded which means more opportunities for us to get sick