Flu Cases Surge Early in New York City, Raising Hospitalization Concerns

New York City, NY — The flu season has started unusually early this year in New York City, with a significant increase in cases leading to more hospitalizations. Doctors report that flu diagnoses have surged weeks ahead of schedule, raising concerns among health officials.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that New York City and surrounding areas, including Long Island and northern New Jersey, have some of the highest levels of flu-like illness in the nation as of early December. City health officials are warning that flu infections are on the rise.

Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York City’s acting health commissioner, emphasized the urgency of vaccination during a recent briefing. She noted, “Flu cases are skyrocketing in the nation’s largest city” and urged residents to get vaccinated and take precautions if they feel unwell.

In response to the rapid spread, Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn temporarily closed its Dyker Heights campus after about one-third of its nearly 900 middle and high school students fell ill within days. The school conducted an intensive disinfection of the building before reopening.

This year’s predominant flu strain, H3N2, has mutated in ways that may help it evade parts of the immune system. Experts warn that this could make the flu vaccine less effective than in previous years. However, early reports from the U.K. suggest that the vaccine can still reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalizations.

Dr. David Chokshi, chief of public health and epidemiology at Northwell Health in Manhasset, N.Y., commented, “It’s earlier and faster this year, and the trajectory is much quicker than usual.” Emergency rooms in New York City are already feeling the pressure, with the percentage of ER patients diagnosed with flu rising from 0.6% to 1.6% in late November, then to 3.4% the following week.

Last flu season was particularly severe, and early data suggests this season may follow a similar path. By the end of November, New York City had reported over 10,000 lab-confirmed flu cases, a number that wasn’t reached until late December last year. Statewide, more than 3,000 individuals have been hospitalized with the flu so far, accounting for nearly 10% of last season’s total.

Despite the alarming rise in cases, vaccination efforts remain low. Approximately 22% of New Yorkers outside the city have received a flu shot this season, while just over 25% of children aged 6 months and older in New York City are vaccinated, reflecting a 6.5% drop from the same time last year.

For further information on vaccination and flu prevention, visit the Mayo Clinic’s website.