URGENT UPDATE: New York’s health officials are sounding the alarm as the flu continues to surge across the state, with warnings that even those who have already contracted the virus this season remain at risk. Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “One of the things about flu is that it’s not just one disease, and you can get flu more than once a season.”
The latest data reveals a staggering 269,433 flu cases statewide, with 17,833 hospitalizations reported. Alarmingly, adults aged 75 and older account for over 400 hospitalizations, while young children aged 0-4 comprise more than 4,000 cases.
Dr. Harry Miller, lead physician at Four Seasons Pediatrics Boston Children’s Health Physicians, noted that “it looks like a second strain is coming in,” raising questions about whether it will spread as aggressively as the dominant Flu A strain.
Vaccination rates are a growing concern, with health experts warning that fewer vaccinations lead to a greater pool of unprotected individuals. “As less people vaccinate, that’s a bigger pool,” Miller added. “A bigger reservoir means a higher number of people who will bleed through and spread that infection.”
The warning comes as New York experiences heightened flu activity, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. Health officials urge residents to take immediate action by getting vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.
As the flu season continues to evolve, residents are advised to stay informed about symptoms and seek medical attention if needed. Authorities stress the importance of vaccination, especially as new strains emerge.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds. Share this information widely to keep your community aware and safe.
