Amid rising flu cases in New York and widespread impacts across the US, public health officials are doubling down on preventative measures. According to the Daily Mail, a new flu strain, identified as H3N2 subclade K, is causing "skyrocketing" cases and earlier than usual spikes in flu activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed "very high" transmission in New York City for the week ending on December 6, with surrounding areas like New Jersey and New York state also reporting high levels.
New York isn't alone in addressing this concern. Schools in various states, such as Poly Prep Country Day in Brooklyn and Villa Duchesne in Missouri, have temporarily closed their doors due to the virus, taking preemptive action to prevent further spread. In a response to the escalating situation, certain health systems, including Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJ Barnabas Health of New Jersey, have reinstated mask requirements for everyone walking through their doors, as Daily Mail documents.
The City of New York is not taking these developments lightly. The health department launched a $1 million "Don't Miss Out" campaign, as Gothamist highlighted, aiming to combat both the flu and the fear of missing out during the holiday season. The campaign emphasizes vaccination, hand hygiene, mask-wearing, and general cleanliness to curb the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
This year's dominant new flu variant poses a unique challenge due to its novelty to our immune systems, which makes people more susceptible to severe illness. With a hospitalization rate climbing to 6.9 per 100,000 people nationwide, compared to the 4.3 per 100,000 the week prior, as per the Daily Mail report, the urgency to mitigate this public health threat is clear. Health officials are recommending a flu shot and advising those who develop symptoms to mask up without delay.
For those who fall ill, Dr. Bernard Camins of Mount Sinai Health System told Gothamist, "it's a generally good idea to wear a mask when respiratory viruses are going around, but especially if you have symptoms yourself — even if you're not sure yet whether it's the flu, a cold, RSV or COVID-19."
