New York State recorded the highest number of hospitalizations in a single week since data collection began more than 20 years ago, continuing a record-breaking flu season. For the week ending December 27, there were 4,546 flu hospitalizations, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week. On Long Island specifically, flu hospitalizations climbed to 800 from 636 the week before. The state also reported an influenza-associated pediatric death on Friday, the third of the season.
Although reported flu cases dropped to 49,153 for the week from a previous high of 72,133—the highest since at least 2004—experts are wary of saying the season has already hit its peak. Lab-confirmed cases only represent a portion of all flu cases. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement, “We are having a more severe flu season than prior years,” adding that it isn’t too late for people to get seasonal flu shots. Across the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths from flu this season.
Vaccine effectiveness and vulnerable populations
Several factors have contributed to this year being more active. A new variant of influenza A strain H3N2, known as subclade K, emerged after the flu vaccine was formulated, making it less effective against the viral newcomer. Additionally, fewer people have been getting annual flu shots in recent years. State data shows about 24.2 percent of eligible New Yorkers have received their flu shot so far, including 24.6 percent in Nassau County and 20.4 percent in Suffolk County.
Dr. Payal Sud, associate chair of emergency medicine at North Shore University Hospital, reported seeing “an influx of flu patients—and most of them have not been vaccinated.” She observed that “people who have the flu are a lot sicker this year.” The flu shot may not prevent infection, but it prevents serious consequences. Currently hospitalized flu patients include those who are very young, very old, immunocompromised, or have underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or those undergoing cancer treatment. Additionally, multiple flu variants are circulating, so people who had flu once may become sick again with a different variant.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.newsday.com/news/health/flu-hospitalizations-record-t08hcegv