NEW YORK (WABC) — New York State is seeing its most severe flu season in years, with hospitalizations hitting a record high for a single week, according to the Department of Health.
“We are having a more severe flu season than prior years, almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent 7-day period compared to the prior week,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “There is still time to get a flu shot and remember, flu can be treated with antiviral medication if started within 48 hours of symptom onset and your doctor deems appropriate.”
The latest data shows 4,546 flu-related hospitalizations statewide, nearly 1,000 more than the previous week. This spike follows last week’s announcement that New York recorded its highest number of flu cases ever in a single week.
Health officials say flu season typically peaks in January, and this year’s numbers are being driven by increased testing and reporting, as well as multi-pathogen panels that detect respiratory illnesses. Still, the surge emphasizes how widespread influenza has become.
Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children.
The Department is urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated. The flu shot is widely available for anyone 6 months and older at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Those most at risk for complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and adults over 65.
“I don’t know when this is going to peak, but the sooner you get it, the sooner your immune system gets that flu shot to work for you,” Dr. McDonald said.
Antiviral medications can shorten the duration and severity of illness if taken soon after symptoms begin. Preventive steps like frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick can also help reduce spread.
“Typically people take 4 days to develop symptoms. Most get sick on day two. In that 48 hour period, that’s when you want to mask up you want to grab a flu test, or you can grab a combination test with Covid as well. And stock up on your medications and keep close contact with your provider,” ABC News’ Dr Darien Sutton said.
Your provider can prescribe Tamiflu, which is recommended for more vulnerable groups, especially if it’s taken right away.
You can be contagious for 5 to 7 days.
More than 1,000 people in New York City alone die from complications from the flu each year.
For more information and weekly updates, you can visit the state’s flu tracker and respiratory surveillance report.
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