The New York State Department of Health encourages New Yorkers to get vaccines that protect against flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Department also launched a campaign reminding New Yorkers of the importance of getting the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, specifically children and older adults.
According to the Department of Health, for the week ending December 28th, 24,513 cases of influenza were positive, a 50% increase in positive cases compared with the previous week. The number of patients hospitalized with the flu was 1,436, a 111% increase from the week prior. There were 15 outbreaks reported in hospitals and 25 outbreaks reported in nursing homes, a 67% increase in hospital and nursing home outbreaks.
There were no influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported this week and none have been reported this season.
See Influenza Activity, Surveillance and Reports for access to the full weekly report.
