Influenza has surged to a pronounced prevalence across New York State, with laboratory-confirmed cases skyrocketing by more than 70% in New York City alone over the course of a single week. This alarming trend coincides with projections of unprecedented holiday travel volumes at the region’s airports.
On Wednesday, Dr. James McDonald, the state’s health commissioner, formally declared the flu’s widespread presence and underscored the importance of vaccination for individuals aged six months and older as a critical safeguard, according to reports by audacy.com.
According to the latest health department statistics, encompassing data through December 14, there have been 23,313 confirmed flu cases spanning 60 counties since the onset of the season. Within New York City, infections surged by an astounding 72 percent, escalating from 2,501 cases the prior week to 4,300. Beyond the city’s limits, cases climbed 75 percent, leaping from 2,058 to 3,603 during the same period.
Hospital admissions attributable to influenza have also witnessed a stark increase, rising by 48 percent, with 399 individuals hospitalized statewide compared to 270 the previous week.
This update coincided with an announcement from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey forecasting a record-breaking 13.8 million travelers navigating its airports and vehicular crossings during the year-end travel period, spanning December 21 to January 2. Among these, 5.2 million passengers are anticipated to transit through JFK, Newark, LaGuardia, and Stewart airports, while 8.6 million vehicles are expected to traverse the authority’s bridges and tunnels, according to audacy.com.
Historically, flu season tends to culminate in January or February. The state’s most recent influenza surveillance reports, along with its flu tracker, provide ongoing updates for public awareness.
Now that influenza is classified as “prevalent,” state health directives stipulate that unvaccinated healthcare personnel within regulated facilities must don surgical or procedural masks to mitigate transmission risks.
The department reiterated its advocacy for universal flu vaccination among individuals six months and older, emphasizing it as a secure and efficacious strategy to guard against infection and alleviate potential symptoms, as per audacy.com.
Vulnerable populations—including those aged 65 and older, individuals managing chronic health conditions, young children, and expectant mothers—are particularly susceptible to severe flu complications, which can escalate to hospitalization or even mortality.
