RI Flu Cases Rising As New Variant Spreads

Rhode Island health officials warned Tuesday that flu cases are rising across the state. The warning comes just as holiday travel and activities begin.

State data shows that as of the week ending Nov. 22, there were 19 hospital admissions associated with influenza, up 12 from the start of the month.

Related: New Flu Mutation Causes Severe Illness: See Latest RI Data

State health officials are also worried about a new flu variant called subclade K, which they believe is driving up cases across the nation and other countries, including the U.K. and Canada. There were 450 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases from Nov. 16 to Nov. 22, up from 251 the week prior.

State health officials said the flu vaccine remains the most effective way to avoid serious influenza illness, preventing an estimated 240,000 hospitalizations, most in adults aged 65 years and older, and likely preventing the season from being even more severe.

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“Everyone 6 months of age and older in Rhode Island can and should get vaccinated against the flu. For most Rhode Islanders, vaccination against COVID-19 is just as important," said Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin.

"The vaccines are available for everyone, regardless of your insurance status or ability to pay,” Larkin said. “Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 can help protect you, and our healthcare system as a whole, by preventing severe illness and hospitalizations. With Rhode Island expecting increases in flu and COVID-19 activity as we get closer to winter and holidays, the time to get vaccinated is now.”

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The flu hit Rhode Island hard last season. There were 60 influenza related deaths last season, compared to none so far this season and 32 in 2023-2024.

Health officials continue to stress the basics to protect yourself against the flu:

• Get a flu shot (anyone 6 months and older)
• Stay home when sick
• Properly covering coughs and sneezes
• Washing hands frequently and improving indoor ventilation

See also: Rhode Island Gov. McKee Gets COVID-19 And Flu Shots

For more information about statewide influenza trends, vaccine coverage and how to stay protected throughout the season, visit https://health.ri.gov/flu.

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