Flu season in New York may be nearing its end, as recent reports show a decline in cases. According to a report by Gothamist, data from the New York State Department of Health shows a decline in positivity rates, with a 25% drop in positive flu tests and a 23% reduction in hospitalizations during the week ending March 1 compared to the previous week. However, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified this season's flu as the first "high-severity" incident in seven years.
Although the number of flu cases is declining, the intensity of this year’s outbreak has been noted by health professionals. Epidemiologist Stephen Morse from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health told Gothamist, “The funny thing about flu is that it's different every year.” He explained that flu patterns often align with holiday travel, and while cases may decrease, they can sometimes be followed by a smaller uptick. Morse suggested that the rebound in cases may be related to a reduction in adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing measures that were widely practiced during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, looking at the broader picture of flu trends across the United States, the CDC indicates that Flu A strains, specifically A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2), are playing a prominent role in the prevalence of cases this season. According to NBC New York, the high activity and continued increase of flu cases across the country has many wondering when the season will draw to a close, with historical patterns suggesting that while there's no officially declared end to flu season, it typically recedes by May before the summer weather sets in.
For those who have not yet received a flu shot and are questioning its effectiveness this late in the season, it is still recommended to get vaccinated. Both experts and the Food and Drug Administration advise getting vaccinated even after the optimal end-of-October timeline. The FDA states, "Even if you wait until after October, the vaccine will still be beneficial and provide protection," highlighting its continued relevance, as per report by NBC New York.
Despite the flu vaccine's effectiveness this year—preventing up to 60% of infections in those under 18 and reducing hospitalizations by up to 78%, according to Gothamist—vaccination rates have been relatively low, with only around 27% of New Yorkers reported to have received their shots.
As flu season is expected to wind down, health professionals continue to highlight the importance of vaccinations in preventing influenza. While the flu shot may not offer complete protection, it is still an important measure in reducing the impact of the virus, “the shot really helps make sure that the illness is not as prolonged and not as bad,” Dr. Ravi Saksena, a pediatrician at South Slope Pediatrics, stated in an interview with Gothamist.
