NYC Health Commissioner on Staying Healthy During Flu Season

Current Flu Season Severity

• 🦠 New York City is experiencing a tough flu season, with flu-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations rising significantly.
• ⚠️ Cases began to rise two to three weeks earlier than usual, indicating a steep part of the curve for flu activity.
• 📈 The predominant strain circulating is H3N2, which can lead to more severe illness, particularly in young children and individuals over 65.

Flu Shot Effectiveness and Timing

• 💉 The updated flu shot is still highly protective, even if it's not a perfect match for a recently mutated strain (subclaid K).
• 🛡️ Data from the UK shows the current flu shot can decrease the chances of hospitalization and ER visits by 70%.
• ⏳ It is not too late to get vaccinated; the flu shot remains crucial for preventing severe complications, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Beyond the Flu Shot: Other Health Recommendations

• 🏠 Stay home when sick and get tested for flu or COVID-19 to potentially qualify for antiviral treatments like Paxlovid.
• 😷 Masking is strongly recommended in crowded indoor settings, on public transport, and when around family members if you are sick.
• 🧼 Frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and using symptom-relief measures like rest and over-the-counter medications are advised for common colds.

Accessing Vaccines and Healthcare

• 🆓 Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at no or low cost through the NYC Health Map (nyc.gov/health) for uninsured individuals.
• 👶 Children six months and older can receive flu shots, which are strongly recommended due to high ER visit rates in young age groups.
• 📞 For health insurance inquiries, call 311 to connect with enrollers who can assist with low-cost options.

Public Health Funding and Policy

• 📉 Federal funding cuts to public health programs, including those measuring health disparities and chronic disease prevention, are a significant concern.
• 🏥 The NYC Health Department remains committed to its mission despite these challenges, focusing on evidence-based interventions and preventive measures.
• 🤝 The incoming mayoral administration's initiatives aimed at fighting inequality are seen as having a tremendously positive impact on public health.