According to domestic data, a second wave of influenza is spreading across the country, bringing flu-like symptoms to the highest level in 15 years.
Almost 8% of last week's healthcare visits were respiratory illnesses (the highest since the 2009-2010 season when swine flu shook the country), with nearly 50,000 patients hospitalized with the virus. According to the Disease Control and Prevention Data Center.
About a third of flu tests – 32% – are positive, data show. At the peak of last year's flu season, which takes place between October and May, less than a fifth of its tests positive, about 18%.
The CDC estimated that there have been 24 million cases of flu so far this season, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths.
45 states, including New York, remained in the “high” or “very high” categories of flu activity, according to the latest data. They were the highest in the South, West and Southwest.
Schools in at least 10 states in the US have been forced to close due to the virus as hundreds of children and staff have become ill. According to the report.
In the week ending February 1st, Empire State had over 53,000 positive flu cases and 3,000 hospitalizations. State Department of Health data is shown.
Outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes were 19% spiked compared to the previous week. So far, there have been 513 outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes across the state this season.
Last week, the Big Apple had over 22,000 positive flu cases A and B. According to data from the city's Ministry of Health. There were about half of cases at the same time last year.
Two children have died of influenza-related illnesses in the city, and have won three so far this season. The state had nine flu-related child deaths and 57 nationwide.
NYC Health Bureau This week, New Yorkers encouraged the latest surges, especially those under the age of 5, those over 65, and pregnant women to receive the flu vaccine.
The highly contagious RSV has declined in most parts of the country, including New York City, which saw a 16% decline last week.
Covid-19 cases, which are rising in most parts of the country, have also seen a decline.
