NYS Department of Health Confirms Most Flu Cases Ever Recorded In Single Week

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Health announced on Friday that the Empire State is experiencing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week.

The department's most recent data shows a total of 71,123 positive flu cases reported for the seven days ending on Dec. 20. That number represents the highest number of cases that the department has ever recorded in one week since influenza was made reportable in 2004. This is a rise of 38 percent over the previous week.

"We are seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week in New York State," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "We are closely reviewing hospital bed capacity data to better understand hospitalization trends and to guide any necessary response related to impacts from respiratory viral infections."

There have been 189,312 positive flu cases reported in New York this season to date. Hospitalizations due to the flu climbed by 63 percent, up from 2,251 in the previous week to 3,666 across the state.

McDonald said that although influenza numbers are at a record high, there are simple steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves and those around them, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and practicing everyday preventive measures.

Flu is treatable for high-risk people with antiviral medicine, if taken within 48 hours of symptoms, health officials said.

Earlier this month, the department declared that influenza is prevalent in New York State. The declaration requires health care facilities and agencies to ensure that their personnel who have not received this year's flu vaccine wear masks in areas where patients and residents may be present.

The number of flu cases reported has risen in recent years with more laboratories testing and reporting results, and with multi-pathogen panels becoming the main way to test people who have respiratory symptoms. However, public health officials said the record number of flu cases underscores that this season is impacting more people than in other recent years.

Flu season typically peaks in January.

"It is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza, and the flu vaccine is widely available to those 6 months and older," the NYS Department of Health said in a statement announcing the record number of flu cases. "Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those ages 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu. To treat the flu, there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by health care providers, such as Tamiflu, which can reduce the length and severity of the illness but must be administered close to the onset of symptoms."

The seasonal influenza vaccine is the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu. It can help reduce absences from work, school and extracurricular activities, and provides protection for the most vulnerable, officials said.

The flu vaccine can be found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician's offices across New York. It is available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a health care provider's office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, New York health officials offered additional tips on how to help stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
• Stay home when sick.
• Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Find more information about influenza in New York on the department's website.

The latest Respiratory Surveillance Report and Flu Tracker can be found here and here.