New York State has logged the most flu cases ever recorded in a single week as hospitalizations surge past last winter’s peak, prompting health officials to urge residents to get vaccinated and take precautions during the holiday season.
The state reported 71,123 new influenza cases for the seven days ending December 20, shattering previous records and catching many hospitals off guard. Emergency rooms across the city have seen increased wait times as flu patients compete with the usual mix of winter illnesses and injuries.
“This is an unusually severe flu season, and it’s not even peak season yet,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “We typically see the worst of it in January and February. The fact that we’re breaking records now is concerning.”
Health officials say recent holiday gatherings are likely fueling the continued spread. Family dinners, office parties, and crowded shopping have created ideal conditions for the virus to jump between people, many of whom are not yet showing symptoms when they infect others.
Hospitalizations have exceeded last winter’s peak, with intensive care units in some hospitals nearing capacity. NYC Health + Hospitals, the city’s public hospital system, has activated surge protocols at several facilities to handle the influx.
“We’re managing, but the system is stressed,” said Dr. Mitchell Katz, the system’s president. “We’re asking people who don’t need emergency care to consider urgent care or their primary doctor instead.”
The dominant strain this season is H3N2, which tends to cause more severe illness, particularly in older adults and young children. The strain also has a reputation for being harder to match with vaccines, though health officials say this year’s shot provides reasonable protection.
Vaccination rates in New York City lag behind public health targets. Fewer than 40% of residents have received a flu shot this season, according to city health department data. Officials have ramped up outreach, offering free vaccines at libraries, community centers, and mobile clinics throughout the five boroughs.
“The vaccine isn’t perfect, but it significantly reduces your chances of severe illness,” said Dr. Ashwin Vasan, the city’s health commissioner. “If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, do it now. It’s not too late.”
The surge has hit particularly hard in communities with lower vaccination rates and less access to primary care. Parts of the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn have seen hospitalization rates well above the citywide average.
Hospitals are also seeing increased cases of RSV, the respiratory virus that is especially dangerous for infants and elderly patients. The combination of flu, RSV, and lingering COVID-19 cases has created what some physicians call a “tripledemic” similar to what hospitals experienced in late 2022.
Schools have reported elevated absentee rates, with some elementary schools seeing more than 15% of students out sick on a given day. The city’s Department of Education has not implemented any distancing measures but has encouraged families to keep sick children home.
“If your kid has a fever or is coughing, please don’t send them to school,” said David Banks, the schools chancellor. “They need rest, and their classmates don’t need exposure.”
For New Yorkers planning holiday travel, health officials recommend wearing masks in airports and on planes, washing hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms. The week between Christmas and New Year’s typically sees the highest travel volume of the year.
Emergency rooms expect to remain busy through January. Hospitals have called in additional staff and postponed some elective procedures to free up beds. The situation varies by facility, but officials say the system is prepared for a challenging few weeks.
“We’ve been through worse,” said Katz. “But this is a reminder that flu is a serious illness that kills people every year. Take it seriously.”
