Flu Cases In NYC See 73% Uptick, As New Variant Remains A Concern: DOH

NEW YORK CITY — As New Yorkers prepare for the holidays, the New York State Department of Health is warning of a surge of flu cases in New York City

According to data compiled earlier this month, there is a 73 percent increase in flu cases citywide.

In total, there were about 24,471 flu cases in the city compared to 47,522 cases reported statewide.

From Dec. 6 to Dec. 13, Manhattan saw a 104 percent increase in cases from 1,493 to 3,044 — which was the biggest increase among boroughs.

The Bronx came in second place, with a 98 percent increase from 2,934 to 5,803 cases. Staten Island had a 75 percent increase in cases during the week span (940 to 1,647).

Queens saw a 62 percent increase in case from 4,137 to 6,711 and cases in Brooklyn went up during that week by 58 percent (4,607 to 7,266).

A new flu strain has seen an uptick in cases across the country. The symptoms of the new strain are similar to those of common influenza, including fever, chills, body aches, headaches, extreme fatigue, congestion or a runny nose, and coughing.

Flu season typically peaks in January and can last into February.

Health officials recommend that people over the age of 65 and those with weak immune systems should get a high-dose version of the vaccine.