Flu cases have surged dramatically this season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths as of December 19, 2023. Public health experts anticipate that these numbers will continue to rise, particularly with the ongoing holiday travel and gatherings.
A significant factor contributing to this season’s increase is a new flu strain known as subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 virus, which has been circulating in other countries since the summer. The CDC found that 89% of the 163 samples of H3N2 viruses collected since September 28 were identified as subclade K. This new strain is raising concerns among health officials as it spreads.
In New York State, the situation is particularly alarming. The state is experiencing its highest number of flu cases recorded in a single week since the mandatory reporting began in 2004. According to the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the number of flu cases reported surged to 189,312, marking a 38% increase from the previous week, which recorded 51,365 infections. Hospitalizations related to the flu rose sharply as well, with a staggering 63% increase, jumping from 2,251 to 3,666 in just one week.
Dr. Darien Sutton, a board-certified emergency medical physician and ABC News medical correspondent, emphasized the reality of the situation. “The emergency room has been busy, and we’ve been following these numbers closely,” he noted during an interview on “Good Morning America.” He cautioned that while national flu numbers typically lag during the holiday period, state health department data reflects the severity of the current flu season.
This year’s flu season has already seen three pediatric deaths, according to an ABC News tally. Last season was particularly devastating, with 288 children losing their lives to the virus, a figure matching the fatalities during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Notably, approximately 90% of the children who died last year were unvaccinated, highlighting the crucial importance of vaccination.
Dr. Sutton reiterated the need for preventive measures, advising the public to take steps to minimize flu transmission. “It’s important to understand that flu is present and to take steps to reduce risk, including masking, washing hands with soap and water, and getting the flu vaccine,” he stated. The CDC underscores that receiving an annual flu shot can prevent millions of illnesses and related medical visits each year, especially for those at higher risk of serious complications.
While Dr. Sutton noted an increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, he clarified that the flu itself is not more severe this season. “It’s not like a super flu,” he explained, emphasizing that many patients are experiencing severe symptoms that lead them to believe their illness is something other than the flu.
As the flu season progresses, public health officials urge individuals to take the virus seriously and to consider vaccination. The current landscape of influenza in the U.S. serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by seasonal viruses, particularly during a time when many gather for celebrations.
As New York and other regions contend with this surge, the focus remains on prevention and public awareness to mitigate the impact of the flu.
