NYC flu instances double final two seasons however development down, information reveals – NBC New York
New York Metropolis has seen extra flu instances recorded to date this season than within the final two seasons mixed, with greater than half of the 125,000-plus instances involving kids, new well being information out Thursday reveals.
Well being officers are anticipated to announce the brand new data at a press convention.
There’s some excellent news, although. Well being officers have observed a decline in latest weeks.
The week ending Dec. 20 noticed the town’s highest-ever variety of weekly reported instances (about 32,000). The brand new case load was virtually minimize in half (about 18,000) the next week and dropped additional (12,000) the week ending Jan. 3, which is the latest information obtainable.
Officers say flu season sometimes peaks in January. At this level, it is too early to inform decide whether or not the decline in weekly reported instances means the height has handed or whether or not there could also be a post-holiday surge.
The town’s newest replace follows the state’s most up-to-date report, which famous it recorded extra flu hospitalizations in a single week than it had ever seen. And that got here on the heels of a state weekly case excessive.
It comes amid an alarming improve in flu instances throughout the nation. Lots of these are pushed by a brand new variant. In line with the CDC, solely about 42% of adults and children acquired a flu vaccination in 2025.
In New York Metropolis, well being officers say they continue to be involved in regards to the dropping share of children getting inoculated. Latest information reveals the vaccination price dropping at a better price for teenagers than adults.
Flu signs embody fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nostril, muscle or physique aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting or diarrhea though it’s extra widespread in kids.
Well being officers stress it isn’t too late within the season to get your flu shot.
The flu vaccine is extensively obtainable, discovered at pharmacies, well being clinics and doctor’s workplaces throughout the state. It is obtainable to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a healthcare supplier’s workplace or at taking part pharmacies with no prescription. Youngsters 6 months and older can obtain the flu vaccine at a healthcare supplier’s workplace.
New York well being officers shared different “easy preventive actions” to take in opposition to the unfold of the flu:
- Wash fingers usually with cleaning soap and water for at the least 20 seconds. If cleaning soap and water usually are not obtainable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep away from touching eyes, nostril and mouth with unwashed fingers.
- Keep away from shut contact with people who find themselves sick.
- Keep dwelling when sick.
- Cowl cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue within the trash.
- Clear and disinfect ceaselessly touched objects and surfaces.
