Flu Cases on the Rise in NYC
Flu cases are climbing in New York City, pushing hospitalizations to unprecedented levels. Health officials are urging locals to get their vaccinations at the earliest opportunity.
Interestingly, it’s not just humans who are susceptible to flu viruses.
Veterinarians are putting dog owners on alert about canine influenza, another strain of the virus that can infect pets and spread rapidly, especially in certain settings.
So far this year, there have been at least 45 confirmed cases of H3N2, the primary strain of dog flu, reported across the U.S., including New Jersey, Connecticut, and Vermont, according to a national outbreak tracker. Although New York state recorded 1,157 tests for canine flu through mid-December, none tested positive by December 13.
Though dogs can’t catch flu from people or vice versa, Dr. Katja Lang, the chief medical officer at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group, emphasizes the importance for pet owners to be aware of the risks.
“There is no connection,” she explained. “Human flu and dog flu are both termed influenza, but a human cannot transmit flu to a dog, nor can a dog give a human their flu.”
Dr. Lang reassured that currently, no outbreaks of dog flu are occurring in New York.
She noted that symptoms of canine flu can vary widely. Some dogs may show no symptoms, while others might experience coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite, or, in extreme cases, pneumonia.
“You could have a dog that’s been exposed to the flu and is contagious to others without showing any symptoms,” Lang remarked. “That’s where it gets complicated.”
The virus spreads readily in crowded spaces such as shelters, kennels, or doggy daycare, particularly when ventilation is poor. While some brachycephalic breeds, like pugs and French bulldogs, tend to be more vulnerable to respiratory issues, Lang pointed out that no specific breed is more likely to catch the flu.
“It’s really contagious, and during outbreaks, it spreads very fast,” she said.
For dogs that often interact with other dogs—like those in parks or grooming salons—Lang recommends the canine flu vaccine. While it might not completely prevent infection, it can alleviate the severity of symptoms if a dog is exposed.
“It’s a safe and effective vaccine,” she stated.
Lang advises any owner suspecting their dog might have flu to contact their vet first, instead of walking into a clinic, to avoid exposing other pets.
“We can easily conduct a test by swabbing the dog’s throat or eyes and send it to a lab to confirm flu,” she explained.
The H3N2 canine influenza virus was first identified in South Korea in 2007 and has since spread to dogs across Asia and North America, including in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
