Flu Cases Skyrocket to 15-Year High Across U.S., NYC Faces Worst Outbreak in Half a Decade

Flu Cases Skyrocket to 15-Year High Across U.S., NYC Faces Worst Outbreak in Half a Decade

Edited by: TJVNews.com

A second wave of the flu is sweeping across the United States, driving the number of flu-related doctor visits, hospitalizations, and positive tests to their highest levels in over a decade, according to a report that appeared on Saturday in The New York Post. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly 8% of all healthcare visits last week were for respiratory illnesses—a level not seen since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic.

With nearly 50,000 hospitalizations reported in just one week, the current flu season is shaping up to be one of the most severe in recent memory. The New York Post reported that approximately one-third (32%) of all flu tests came back positive last week, a staggering increase compared to the peak of last season, where positivity rates only reached 18%.

So far this flu season, which began in October and typically runs through May, the CDC estimates that 24 million Americans have been infected, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths. These alarming figures highlight the intensity of this year’s flu outbreak, which has placed 45 states, including New York, in the “high” or “very high” category for flu activity, according to The New York Post.

The relentless spread of the flu has forced schools to close in at least 10 states, as large numbers of students and staff members fell ill, according to the information provided in The New York Post report. Schools across the country have reported hundreds of absences per day, prompting administrators to temporarily shut down campuses to prevent further spread.

While the hardest-hit regions include southern, western, and southwestern states, the Northeast—particularly New York—has also seen a significant uptick in flu activity. The New York Post reported that in the week ending February 1, New York State recorded over 53,000 new positive flu cases and 3,000 hospitalizations, marking a slight increase from the previous week.

In addition, flu outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes have spiked by 19% compared to the prior week, with a total of 513 outbreaks reported in these facilities so far this season, according to state health department data published by The New York Post.

The impact of the flu in New York City has been especially severe, with more than 22,000 positive cases of influenza A and B reported last week alone, according to The New York Post. While this reflects a slight decrease from the previous week, it remains the highest number of flu cases recorded in the city in the past five years.

The city has also reported two new pediatric flu-related deaths, bringing the total to three flu-associated child fatalities in New York City this season. Statewide, nine children have died from flu-related complications, while the national death toll among children has climbed to 57, according to data cited by The New York Post.

These troubling numbers have prompted the NYC Health Department to issue a renewed warning urging all New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the flu, with a particular focus on high-risk groups such as children under 5 years old, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.

Health officials warn that while flu cases could begin to decline later in the season, the current surge remains dangerous, particularly for vulnerable populations, according to the information in The New York Post.

While the flu continues to surge, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have begun to decline in most areas of the country, including New York City, where RSV cases dropped by 16% last week, according to The New York Post.

Similarly, COVID-19 cases, which had been elevated in recent weeks, are also showing signs of decline across most states. However, health experts caution that COVID-19 remains a persistent threat, particularly for individuals who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised.

Despite the encouraging downturn in RSV and COVID-19, The New York Post report warned that the flu remains the dominant public health concern at the moment, with hospitalizations and deaths continuing to rise.

As flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to climb, health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness. The NYC Health Department and CDC are strongly urging Americans to get the flu shot, particularly those who haven’t yet received one this season.

Medical professionals warn that the current flu strain is highly contagious and could continue spreading aggressively in the coming weeks, particularly in crowded urban areas like New York City, as was indicated in The New York Post report.

With the flu showing no immediate signs of slowing down, public health officials are preparing for continued challenges in managing the outbreak. The surge has already placed an immense burden on hospitals, schools, and local health departments, and The New York Post reported that the situation could worsen if additional preventative measures aren’t taken.

As flu cases continue to surge across the U.S., doctors and health officials are urging the public to take precautions, including getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and staying home when sick.

With record-breaking flu cases in New York, ongoing school closures in multiple states, and increasing hospitalizations nationwide, The New York Post reported that this flu season is shaping up to be one of the most severe in recent memory.

While the decline in RSV and COVID-19 cases provides some relief, the flu remains an urgent crisis, and experts warn that without widespread vaccination and continued vigilance, the country could face an even deadlier second wave in the coming weeks.