The flu season this year in the city and state is worse than usual, and in some ways even record-breaking. Although cases appear to be subsiding from their highs in December, city health officials and Floating Hospital medical staff are still urging caution as the flu season can run until May.

The New York City Health Department recently reported that 32,000 flu tests were positive in the city for the week ending December 20. “This was the most the Health Department has seen reported in a single week since 2005, when full-year data first became available,” it stated in a press release.

32,000 positive flu tests in one week—the highest number reported since full year data first became available in 2005.

The flu arrived earlier than is typical with a new variant of Influenza A, which some are calling a “super flu,” capable of evading our existing immunity from prior flu infections. It is now accounting for about 90 percent of the flu cases in the country.

Dr. Shani Andre, The Floating Hospital’s chief medical officer and executive vice president of clinical administration, said vaccine fatigue might be another factor contributing to the early and rapid increase in cases this year. While we delivered “a good number of vaccines earlier this year, it was not as many as last.” With so many pushes behind Covid shots in previous years, “people may feel like taking a break from everything vaccine related.” New federal guidelines could also be reducing interest, contributing to an attitude of “it’s okay to say ‘I’m not doing vaccines,’” she suggested.

Multiple cold snaps earlier in the winter season had more people staying inside, where infection is easier, she noted. Holiday gatherings, beginning with Thanksgiving, and parties also fueled the growth in cases.

It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated

It’s not too late to get the shot, and health experts continue to recommend it. Flu vaccines are still available at our main clinic, at pharmacies, and other providers. Andre cautioned that a vaccine’s protection is not immediate. “It takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness.”

The Health Department has recommended that anyone 6 months and older receive this season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Adults 75 and older, and those ages 50–74 with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors, should also get an RSV vaccine if they have not done so before. To protect the youngest New Yorkers, pregnant people should receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or their newborn should get an RSV monoclonal antibody.

Children Hit Hard by Last Year’s Flu

Last year, the flu season was responsible for a record number of pediatric deaths, a total of 288 nationwide. Among those children who were eligible to receive a flu shot, 89 percent of those who passed away had not been vaccinated.

Although the new variant might lead to more infections even among the vaccinated, the health department noted that preliminary research from the United Kingdom found that this year’s flu vaccine was more than 70% effective at keeping children and adolescents out of the hospital.

Vaccines Prevent Serious Illness
This year’s flu vaccine was over 70% effective at preventing hospitalizations among children and teens.

Why Flu Thrives in Winter

And the flu does spread more easily in the winter months. The colder temperatures allow the virus to survive longer and enhance its ability to spread. At the same time, cold, dry air weakens defenses in the nasal passages, allowing a better chance of infection. Increased time indoors with other people in rooms with dry heat provides even more opportunities for the virus to disseminate and take hold. Add in weakened immunity from less time spent outdoors or in direct sunlight, and you have conditions ripe for infection.

Simple Steps to Protect Yourself and Others

• Wash hands frequently throughout flu season 

• Clean surfaces that are touched often

• Stay home when feeling ill

• Avoid high-risk groups (the very young, old, and immunocompromised)

• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing 

• Wear a mask around other people when sick

To follow the city health department’s weekly numbers, visit its Respiratory Illness Data Page, which is updated on Thursdays.