Flu cases are on the rise across the United States, coinciding with the busy holiday travel season. As of December 19, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 4.6 million flu illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths this season. Public health experts anticipate that these numbers will continue to climb as gatherings increase during the holidays.
The uptick in cases is largely attributed to a new flu strain known as subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 virus. This particular strain has been circulating internationally since summer and has been identified in a striking 89% of genetically characterized H3N2 virus samples collected in the U.S. since September 28, according to the CDC.
In a concerning trend, there have been three reported pediatric flu deaths this season. Comparatively, 288 children succumbed to the flu during the previous season, matching the death toll during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Notably, approximately 90% of the children who died last year were not vaccinated.
New York Reports Record Flu Cases
New York State is experiencing an unprecedented surge in flu cases, reporting the highest number of infections in a single week since states began mandatory reporting in 2004. In the latest week, the state recorded 189,312 total flu cases, marking a 38% increase from the previous week’s total of 51,365 infections. Hospitalizations within the state have also seen a dramatic rise, climbing by 63% from 2,251 to 3,666 weekly admissions, according to data from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).
Dr. Darien Sutton, a board-certified emergency medical physician and medical correspondent for ABC News, noted, “The emergency room has been busy, and we’ve been following these numbers closely.” He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the flu’s presence and taking preventative measures, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and getting vaccinated.
The CDC highlights that receiving an annual flu vaccine can prevent millions of illnesses and reduce flu-related medical visits, particularly among individuals at higher risk for serious complications. Dr. Sutton further stressed that the flu should not be dismissed as a mere cold, stating, “I am treating it in the emergency room. Understand that people are coming in feeling like they are so sick that it has to be something else than the flu.”
While there has been an increase in hospitalizations, Dr. Sutton clarified that the disease itself is not exhibiting higher severity, remarking, “It’s not like a super flu.”
As the holiday season progresses, health officials urge the public to remain vigilant. Vaccination remains a critical tool in mitigating this year’s flu impact, especially as families gather and travel increases.
