NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Influenza is now “prevalent” in New York state— with circumstances up greater than 70% in New York City week over week—as “document” vacation journey is anticipated on the area’s airports.
The well being declaration was made Wednesday by Dr. James McDonald, the state’s well being commissioner, who inspired individuals over 6 months outdated to get vaccinated towards the flu.
The well being division’s most up-to-date knowledge, by means of Dec. 14, exhibits a complete of 23,313 optimistic flu circumstances throughout 60 counties reported thus far this season.
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In New York City, week-over-week, lab-confirmed flu circumstances are up 72%, rising from 2,501 circumstances within the earlier week to 4,300, knowledge exhibits.
Outside of New York City, circumstances are up 75%, rising from 2,058 circumstances within the earlier week to three,603.
Hospitalizations from the flu climbed by 48%, up from 270 within the earlier week to 399 statewide.
The replace from the well being division got here the identical day that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey mentioned it anticipated a record-breaking 13.8 million vacationers to make use of its airports and vehicular crossings throughout the year-end journey interval working from Dec. 21 to Jan. 2.
That contains 5.2 million passengers at JFK, Newark, LaGuardia and Stewart airports throughout the 13-day interval, in addition to 8.6 million automobiles at bridges and tunnels.
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Flu season normally peaks round January or February. The state’s newest flu reviews can be viewed here; the well being division additionally has a flu tracker.
Now that the flue is “prevalent,” well being care employees in well being care and residential services and companies regulated by the state Health Department should put on surgical or process masks in the event that they aren’t vaccinated towards the flu, officials said.
The division inspired everybody who’s 6 months and older to get the flu vaccine, calling it “a protected and efficient solution to defend towards an infection and reduce the signs in the event you get sick.”
People 65 years and older, in addition to individuals with sure power medical circumstances, younger youngsters, and pregnant ladies are most liable to growing critical problems from the flu that might result in hospitalization or loss of life.
