Flu Hits NYC Hard and Early: What’s Going On?

New York City is experiencing a harsh flu season, with cases surging earlier than usual. The CDC reports that NYC, along with nearby areas like Long Island and northern New Jersey, are among the worst-affected regions in the country.

Health Officials Express Concern

The flu is spreading rapidly, prompting health officials to take action. Dr. Michelle Morse, the city’s acting health commissioner, is urging residents to get vaccinated and take precautions if they feel unwell. She notes that flu cases are rising quickly.

Schools Close Due to Outbreaks

Schools are also feeling the impact. Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn had to close its Dyker Heights campus after a significant number of students fell ill. Approximately one-third of the students were absent within days. The school underwent thorough cleaning before reopening.

Challenging Flu Strain: H3N2

This year’s flu strain, H3N2, is particularly difficult to combat. Experts warn that the virus has mutated, making it harder for the immune system to fight. While this may reduce the effectiveness of the flu shot, early data from the UK suggests that the vaccine can still prevent severe illness and hospitalizations.

Hospitals Overwhelmed

Emergency rooms in NYC are seeing a sharp increase in flu patients. In late November, the percentage of ER patients diagnosed with the flu jumped from 0.6% to 1.6%, then to 3.4% the following week. Last season was severe, and this one may be just as challenging.

Alarming Case Numbers

By the end of November, NYC had already recorded over 10,000 lab-confirmed flu cases—a significant increase compared to last year, when this number wasn’t reached until late December. Statewide, over 3,000 people have been hospitalized with the flu so far, nearly 10% of last season’s total.

Low Vaccination Rates

Despite the severity of the outbreak, vaccination rates remain low. Only about 22% of New Yorkers outside the city have received the flu shot this season. In NYC, just over 25% of children ages 6 months and older are vaccinated—a 6.5% drop from the same time last year.