New York State recorded the highest number of flu-related hospitalizations ever reported in a single week over the Christmas holiday, and state health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated as flu activity remains high.
In a Jan. 2 update, the New York State Department of Health reported 4,546 flu hospitalizations—almost 1,000 more than the week before—marking a record weekly total.
“It’s unfortunate not only because of the number of patients hospitalized, but it’s happening during the holiday season,” said Akshay Gupta, DO, an emergency physician at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital. “People have to cancel plans, people can’t see their families.”
Gupta said influenza is a virus—one of many—that spreads efficiently from person to person. “It’s a particularly infectious virus,” he said. Once it enters the body, “it starts replicating, and causes the infection that we know as the flu.”
Flu symptoms can be more severe—and last longer—than a cold
Gupta said many symptoms overlap with a cold or other respiratory illnesses, but influenza often hits harder.
“Typically with flu cases, the symptoms are far stronger, far more severe,” he said. Patients may experience high fevers, intense body aches and chills, cough, and congestion. Some people also have vomiting and diarrhea, which can make dehydration worse, he added.
He noted that while a common cold might resolve in two or three days, “sometimes the flu can last more than a week and you can remain infectious for that entire time.”
In a follow-up advisory dated Jan. 9, the state health department again urged New Yorkers to get vaccinated against influenza, noting it is not too late and that vaccine is widely available for people 6 months and older.
Gupta echoed the prevention message and emphasized planning ahead: “The best way to kind of attack flu season is to get ahead of it. Try and prevent it.” He recommended vaccination, staying home and avoiding travel when sick, washing hands, and wearing a mask in public when appropriate. “All of those things together can kind of decrease the number of cases we’re seeing,” he said.
Gupta urged people to trust their judgment and seek medical advice if they’re concerned. “If you’re worried about your symptoms, call your doctor, go to an urgent care,” he said. “If you really think that something may be wrong, go, come to the emergency department just so we can take a look at you and make sure that it’s nothing life-threatening or dangerous.”
As flu season continues, state officials and front-line physicians are stressing the same takeaway: vaccination and basic prevention steps can help reduce spread and keep more patients out of the hospital.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here