Influenza cases are increasing across the United States. New York State sets new weekly infection record

Influenza cases are rapidly increasing across the United States Travel time on busy holidays.

New York state is one of the hardest hit states. New York state reported a record high number of positive influenza cases in a single week (71,123 people) for the week ending December 20th. New York State Department of Health. The ministry said this represents a 38% increase compared to the previous week.

New York state announced it was one of 14 states that reported high or very high rates of outpatient visits to health care providers due to flu-like illness during the week ending Dec. 13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The District of Columbia, New York City and Puerto Rico are also reporting many or very high numbers of flu-like cases, the agency said.

As of Dec. 16, 47 states have experienced or are likely to see an increase in influenza cases, with only Hawaii showing a decline in cases. The CDC predicted.

Increased seasonal influenza activity across the United States is similar to the past several seasons; CDC says. But it comes with new influenza strain – Subclade K, a variant of the influenza A(H3N2) virus – responsible for influenza epidemics in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Health officials are concerned that current flu vaccines may be incompatible with new variants, but remain confident they can protect against severe illness.

Although health officials are not yet sure whether the new strain of influenza is leading to more infections or more severe cases, “what is clear is that cases are increasing, and we are seeing more influenza cases nationwide, and this trend is certain to continue into the new year,” Andrew Pekos, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, said in the paper. Video health briefing on December 16th.

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Fewer Americans are getting flu shots this season

Also, fewer Americans getting vaccinated against the flu could potentially be contributing to the rise in influenza cases. More than 47.6 million influenza vaccinations have been administered at retail pharmacies and physician offices so far in the 2025-2026 season, which is about 3 million fewer than last year. CDC.

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government shutdownJennifer Nuzzo, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University's School of Public Health, said in the influenza report released Dec. 19 that it also likely meant a decline in influenza activity data, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, and could have affected vaccination rates. American Medical Association Journal.

“We could potentially be heading into a very nasty flu season, and we know it's starting with less data and, more importantly, fewer vaccinations,” she said.

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The flu has killed 1,900 people and three children, according to the CDC.

The CDC estimates that the flu has caused at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season. Two pediatric deaths were reported to CDC during the week ending December 13, bringing the total to three influenza-related pediatric deaths so far this season. the agency said.

In Colorado, where the CDC announced that influenza-like activity was “very high,” the number of emergency department visits with influenza diagnoses increased by 7% in the week ending December 20. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Influenza accounts for 7% of emergency department visits in Louisiana, up from about 6% the previous week. Louisiana Department of Health. All respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, accounted for nearly 9% of emergency visits, the ministry said.

In New York City, the percentage of hospital emergency room visits diagnosed with the flu increased to 8.75% in the week ending December 20, up from 6.76% the previous week. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

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Influenza activity is high or very high in these states

of CDC's FluView Interactive Map It is based on outpatient visits to health care providers for influenza-like illnesses within a state or territory. These states and territories had high or very high levels.

• Colorado (very high)
• Connecticut (Highlands)
• District of Columbia (High)
• Idaho (high)
• Massachusetts (High)
• New Hampshire (high)
• new jersey (high)
• New Mexico (High)
• New York (very expensive)
• New York City (very expensive)
• Puerto Rico (high)
• Louisiana (very high)
• Georgia (high)
• Maryland (High)
• Michigan (High)
• North Carolina (High)
• South Carolina (High)

What are your recent flu symptoms?

Symptoms associated with H3N2 are similar to those of other influenza viruses and include:

• heat
• cough
• snot
• fatigue
• muscle pain and chills

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How to protect yourself from the flu

It's not too late to get a flu shot. The CDC, World Health Organization, and other leading medical organizations consider this the most effective way to prevent serious illness from influenza. All persons over 6 months of age are Who should receive the influenza vaccine? The exception is if you have a certain medical condition, such as an allergy to an ingredient or a previous severe reaction to the injection.

To prevent the spread of the flu, you should wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the New York State Department of Health notes. Other tips to prevent the spread of the flu:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you are sick, please stay home.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Contributor: Mary Walrath-Holdridge

Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & [email protected].

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