This year’s flu situation? It’s pretty intense. It feels like everyone is coming down with it and, honestly, it seems worse than usual.
In New York City, the stats paint a dire picture. Recent hospital reports indicate that during the week of December 20, emergency room visits for flu symptoms hit a decade-high, as tracked by the city’s Syndrome Surveillance System.
And there might be more trouble ahead. “We haven’t reached the peak yet,” says Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist specializing in infectious diseases from Johns Hopkins.
Flu Rates Surge in NYC
This flu season kicked off quite early, with numbers climbing throughout December.
In Manhattan, the uptick was dramatic—cases rose by 104% from December 6 to December 13. Other boroughs saw increases as well: 98% in the Bronx, 75% on Staten Island, 65% in Queens, and 58% in Brooklyn.
Last week alone, emergency rooms recorded nearly 10,000 visits classified as flu-like. Remarkably, that’s more than any week during the 2017-2018 or 2024-2025 flu seasons, both of which were considered severe.
Of course, not everyone with the flu rushes to the hospital, and many don’t get tested. However, the number of positive flu tests was still striking—over 24,600 reported in the second week of December, the highest for the ongoing season.
Interestingly, school attendance dropped before the Christmas break, adding to the growing concerns.
Why Is the Flu Spreading So Rapidly This Year?
This year’s flu has been dubbed the “super influenza,” and it’s not hard to see why. Its widespread nature and severity are staggering, and several factors contribute to this situation.
Firstly, fewer people are getting vaccinated compared to last year, which doesn’t help. Moreover, this year’s vaccine isn’t as effective as hoped, leaving those who did receive it somewhat exposed.
The production of flu vaccines begins six to nine months prior to the season, but the virus mutates frequently. Thus, each season’s vaccine is based on previous data and predictions—and sometimes, well, those predictions miss the mark.
Influenza shots typically have an effectiveness rate of 40% to 60%, but this year’s estimates hover around just 32% to 39% for adults, while they seem to perform better for kids at 72% to 75%.
“With this year’s dominant strain being less aligned with the vaccine, we’re likely seeing more individuals susceptible to flu,” reflects Neil Mania, the director of a public health program.
The strain making headlines this time is subclade K, a mutated form of H3N2.
Understanding Subclade K and H3N2 Influenza
Humans can contract two types of influenza: A and B. The A type is more common and includes subtypes like H1N1 (commonly known as swine flu) and H5N1 (avian flu).
H3N2 is the most prevalent strain responsible for flu infections. However, it has a history of high mutation rates, leading to the emergence of subclade K, which is currently causing a spike in cases both in the U.S. and globally.
Recognizing the Symptoms of this Year’s Flu
The symptoms this year are largely consistent with previous years. You might experience fever, fatigue, body aches, chills, a runny or stuffy nose, and even gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea.
What Should You Do if You Contract the Flu?
Despite lower effectiveness, experts still suggest getting the flu shot, and it’s not too late to do so.
If you do end up getting sick, remember to rest and keep hydrated.
“To handle fever, headaches, and muscle pain at home, drink plenty of fluids, rest, and you can take over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol or Advil,” notes Dr. Mark Mulligan from NYU Langone Health.
If you find yourself unable to breathe properly or your symptoms worsen after a few days at home, it’s wise to consult a doctor.
