NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Influenza is now “prevalent” in New York state— with cases up more than 70% in New York City week over week—as "record" holiday travel is anticipated at the region's airports.
The health declaration was made Wednesday by Dr. James McDonald, the state’s health commissioner, who encouraged people over 6 months old to get vaccinated against the flu.
The health department’s most recent data, through Dec. 14, shows a total of 23,313 positive flu cases across 60 counties reported so far this season.
In New York City, week-over-week, lab-confirmed flu cases are up 72%, rising from 2,501 cases in the previous week to 4,300, data shows.
Outside of New York City, cases are up 75%, rising from 2,058 cases in the previous week to 3,603.
Hospitalizations from the flu climbed by 48%, up from 270 in the previous week to 399 statewide.
The update from the health department came the same day that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it expected a record-breaking 13.8 million travelers to use its airports and vehicular crossings during the year-end travel period running from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2.
That includes 5.2 million passengers at JFK, Newark, LaGuardia and Stewart airports during the 13-day period, as well as 8.6 million vehicles at bridges and tunnels.
Flu season usually peaks around January or February. The state’s latest flu reports can be viewed here; the health department also has a flu tracker.
Now that the flue is “prevalent,” health care workers in health care and residential facilities and agencies regulated by the state Health Department must wear surgical or procedure masks if they aren’t vaccinated against the flu, officials said.
The department encouraged everyone who is 6 months and older to get the flu vaccine, calling it “a safe and effective way to protect against infection and lessen the symptoms if you get sick.”
People 65 years and older, as well as people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children, and pregnant women are most at risk of developing serious complications from the flu that could lead to hospitalization or death.