NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Flu cases are “skyrocketing” in the New York City area, said the city’s acting health commissioner, as doctors observe a "reverse" flu season.
CDC data backs up the early season spike in cases, showing NYC, Long Island and North Jersey have some of the highest caseloads in the country, as of Dec. 6.
And the flu isn’t just hitting hard but early. Cases normally peak more in January and February in New York.
“We are currently in full swing of flu season here in New York City,” said Dr. Michelle Morse, the acting health commissioner for NYC.
“Usually, we see other states have a higher number of cases, and then New York follows,” said Dr. Bernard Camins at Mt. Sinai. “But in this situation, it is the reverse.”
Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn had at least 200 students ill with the flu or flulike symptoms. They had to close for two days last week as a result, according to the New York Times.
This year’s dominant flu strain may be feistier than others, and it may be able to evade the immune system even in those who received this year’s flu shot, health officials said.
Nevertheless, the flu shot is still excellent at preventing severe cases and hospitalizations. Doctors recommend getting it.
“It is very common in fact for viruses like the flu to change a little bit and adapt,” Morse said, adding “that shot is still going to offer you significant protection and decrease your chances of ending up in the ER, the hospital or worse.”
Camins echoes that advice, saying, “People should still get vaccinated because it will still give you some protection, if not full protection.”