New York City's Flu Season Remains Uncertain as Cases Continue to Climb
The latest numbers from the city's health department paint a concerning picture of the ongoing flu season. With over 128,000 confirmed cases so far this season, New Yorkers are being urged to remain vigilant and get vaccinated against the flu.
Despite a recent dip in new cases, which fell to 12,000 during the week ending January 3, city officials say they're not out of the woods yet. According to Dr. Morse, flu season can be unpredictable and may extend into May. This warning comes as hospitalizations for the flu reached a record high in late December, with over 4,500 New Yorkers hospitalized due to the virus.
The situation is further complicated by recent changes to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's childhood vaccination schedule, which some vaccines are no longer recommended for all children. However, state health officials have assured that these changes will not affect New York's school vaccination requirements, and healthcare providers are directed to continue their existing immunization practices.
The city is urging everyone - regardless of age or risk level - to get vaccinated against the flu. The current flu shot has been shown to prevent serious complications and hospitalizations, despite some mutations in the current strain. Two children have already lost their lives this season due to the flu, a tragic reminder of the severity of the outbreak.
Public health experts are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of these changes, warning that they could lead to further chaos and erosion of confidence in immunization practices. "This ill-considered decision will sow further chaos and confusion," said Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
As the flu season continues to unfold, New Yorkers are urged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus. With over a month remaining until the official end of flu season, there is still time for individuals to receive their flu vaccine and prevent serious complications.
The latest numbers from the city's health department paint a concerning picture of the ongoing flu season. With over 128,000 confirmed cases so far this season, New Yorkers are being urged to remain vigilant and get vaccinated against the flu.
Despite a recent dip in new cases, which fell to 12,000 during the week ending January 3, city officials say they're not out of the woods yet. According to Dr. Morse, flu season can be unpredictable and may extend into May. This warning comes as hospitalizations for the flu reached a record high in late December, with over 4,500 New Yorkers hospitalized due to the virus.
The situation is further complicated by recent changes to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's childhood vaccination schedule, which some vaccines are no longer recommended for all children. However, state health officials have assured that these changes will not affect New York's school vaccination requirements, and healthcare providers are directed to continue their existing immunization practices.
The city is urging everyone - regardless of age or risk level - to get vaccinated against the flu. The current flu shot has been shown to prevent serious complications and hospitalizations, despite some mutations in the current strain. Two children have already lost their lives this season due to the flu, a tragic reminder of the severity of the outbreak.
Public health experts are sounding the alarm about the potential consequences of these changes, warning that they could lead to further chaos and erosion of confidence in immunization practices. "This ill-considered decision will sow further chaos and confusion," said Dr. Andrew Racine, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
As the flu season continues to unfold, New Yorkers are urged to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus. With over a month remaining until the official end of flu season, there is still time for individuals to receive their flu vaccine and prevent serious complications.
I'm super concerned about this flu season in NYC - 128k+ cases is insane! 
and it's only January! I know some people are skeptical about vaccines, but come on, we need all the protection we can get right now. Those changes to the CDC vaccination schedule have me worried too... what if we're not as protected as we thought? 
We've already lost two kids this season, that's just heartbreaking. I'm gonna keep getting my flu shot and pushing my loved ones to do the same. What about those who can't afford it or won't get vaccinated? 
We need to make sure everyone has access to healthcare, not just the privileged few. 
I'm getting a bit worried about this ongoing flu season 
! The numbers are crazy with 128k+ confirmed cases so far this year 
! And it's not just the cases, but also the hospitalizations - record high 
. The fact that two kids have already lost their lives is heartbreaking 
. Can we please just stay safe and get vaccinated? 
. seriously though, get vaccinated, get protected, it's as simple as that. don't wait for others to get sick before you take action - your health is your own responsibility 
like, isn't it weird how the u.s. centers for disease control changed the vaccination schedule for kids? i mean, i get it, they want to keep up with the changing flu strain and all but what about the parents who are already stressed out trying to get their little ones vaccinated on time? anyway, 2 kids died from the flu this season? that's heartbreaking 
i think we need to step up our immunization game ASAP. the record high hospitalizations in dec were pretty alarming too 
What's next? Are they just gonna sit back and let everyone get sick because of some 'ill-considered decision'? 
I swear, sometimes I feel like all these experts are just winging it without even thinking about the consequences... Dr. Andrew Racine should really talk to his own team about this one 
This whole thing is just giving me anxiety 
Flu season always brings out the worst in us, you know? Like, I'm all for a good Netflix binge-watching session, but not when it means risking your health to do so. The numbers are crazy - 128k cases?! And hospitalizations are through the roof! 
My kid's school is gonna have to deal with all that chaos, and I'm just worried about them getting their shots.
The flu shot has saved so many lives, and two kids already lost this season... 
. I'm all for caution but also think it's essential to maintain vigilance and encourage everyone - regardless of age or risk level - to get vaccinated ASAP 
hopefully we get the new vaccine approved soon 
4,500+ is crazy!
2 kids lost their lives to flu this season 
gotta keep those kids protected 
. And now, because of those vaccine changes, I'm worried that some kids might not get the protection they need. What were these folks thinking?! 
. It's not just about protecting ourselves, it's about keeping our communities safe 
. We should be doing everything in our power to stop this outbreak and prevent any more deaths 
Don't be a statistic, take care of yerself! 
Let's hope public health experts can keep us safe 
my sister got sick too and we had to take care of her at home she's a nurse btw and she said the hospital is super overwhelmed rn 
i'm gonna have to check with my doctor about getting vaccinated again lol did you get your flu shot yet? 
what's with these changes to vaccination schedules tho? 
and now public health experts are saying it could lead to chaos?! 
?