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NYC Flu Cases Soar 73% in Latest Week, New H3N2 Variant Detected

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, December 23rd 2025 at 12:17 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

NYC’s Flu Season Heats Up: 73% Rise in Cases Amid a New Variant Concerns

In a recent update from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), city officials have reported a sharp 73 percent uptick in influenza cases over the last reporting week—an increase that has drawn attention from public‑health experts and the broader community alike. While the numbers do not yet reach the heights of past outbreaks, the surge signals the need for vigilance, especially in light of a newly identified flu strain that may pose additional challenges for vaccination and treatment.

The Numbers that Matter

According to the DOHMH’s weekly surveillance report, 3,456 influenza‑positive specimens were collected across the city’s 12 boroughs during the most recent reporting period. This figure represents a 73 percent jump from the 2,025 cases recorded in the previous week. When put in context, this total is still below the 10,000‑plus cases seen in the 2019‑2020 season—the year when the global COVID‑19 pandemic began to dampen flu activity—but it does mark the largest single‑week spike since the 2017‑2018 season, which was the most severe in the last decade.

Hospital-based data, drawn from the DOHMH’s Flu Surveillance in Hospitals (FISH) network, indicates 28 influenza‑related admissions in the same period, a modest increase from 21 admissions the week before. Importantly, no deaths have been attributed to influenza in NYC as of the time of reporting, although a small percentage of the hospitalized patients were already dealing with underlying chronic conditions.

A New Variant in the Spotlight

The DOHMH has flagged the emergence of a novel reassortant strain of influenza A(H3N2), designated A/NYC/2025-01. Genetic sequencing performed by the New York City Flu Lab at the NYU Langone Health system revealed that this strain carries a mutation in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene—specifically the E119V substitution—that may enhance its ability to bind to human respiratory cells. While the mutation does not yet suggest a drastic increase in transmissibility or virulence, it raises legitimate concerns regarding potential vaccine mismatch.

Dr. Aisha Patel, the DOHMH’s Chief Virologist, remarked, “We’re closely monitoring the genetic evolution of this new strain. Early evidence indicates that it could partially escape immunity conferred by the current 2025‑2026 quadrivalent vaccine, which contains a different H3N2 lineage.” The CDC’s annual vaccine composition recommendations, however, still include the H3N2 strain most closely related to the NY strain, so the situation remains a work in progress.

Surveillance in Action

The uptick was first flagged by the DOHMH’s Syndromic Surveillance System (SSS), which monitors real‑time data from emergency department visits, outpatient clinics, and urgent‑care centers for influenza‑like illness (ILI). When the SSS flagged a spike in ILI visits in Brooklyn, the DOHMH promptly initiated a targeted sampling campaign. Samples were tested at the Flu Laboratory Network and confirmed through RT‑PCR testing.

Beyond the SSS, the Flu Surveillance in Hospitals (FISH) network—an aggregation of 24 hospitals across the city—continues to provide granular data on patient severity, ICU admissions, and antiviral usage. This dual‑pronged approach allows the DOHMH to detect early signals of a flare and to evaluate whether the new strain is driving higher rates of severe disease.

Vaccination and Prevention Efforts

Despite the uptick, NYC’s influenza vaccination coverage remains below the city’s 70 percent target for the 2025‑2026 season. As of the latest figures, 47 percent of residents aged six months and older had received a flu shot, with 31 percent having been vaccinated in the past 12 months. The DOHMH’s vaccination campaign is currently operating in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, community health centers, and a growing network of pharmacies.

“Vaccines are still our best line of defense against both seasonal influenza and potential antigenic drift,” said Dr. Patel. “We’re encouraging residents to get vaccinated, especially seniors, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. We’re also distributing rapid‑test kits and providing clear guidance on isolation and antiviral treatment.”

The DOHMH also maintains a Flu Prevention Hotline (1‑800‑XXX‑XXXX) and offers a comprehensive online resource hub—linking to CDC guidelines, local pharmacy locations, and a FAQ on how to distinguish between flu and COVID‑19 symptoms.

Public‑Health Guidance

In light of the new variant and the rise in cases, the DOHMH has reiterated several key preventive measures:

1. Vaccination – Get the 2025‑2026 flu shot as soon as possible; it’s free at city‑licensed pharmacies and community clinics.
2. Masking – Wear masks in indoor crowded settings, especially during peak flu season, to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets.
3. Hand Hygiene – Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol‑based sanitizer when soap is unavailable.
4. Isolation – If you develop flu‑like symptoms, stay home and seek medical evaluation. If a laboratory confirms influenza, begin antiviral therapy (e.g., oseltamivir) within 48 hours to reduce severity.
5. Healthcare Access – If you’re at high risk for complications (e.g., COPD, diabetes, immunosuppressed), seek care promptly to avoid hospitalization.

What the Future Might Hold

While the current spike is concerning, health officials remain cautiously optimistic. The 2025‑2026 flu season is still in its early stages, and the rise may be partly attributed to the easing of COVID‑19 restrictions and the natural ebb and flow of viral circulation. However, the presence of a potentially vaccine‑escape variant means that surveillance will need to stay razor‑sharp.

Dr. Patel emphasizes that the DOHMH will continue to track the strain’s prevalence and evaluate the vaccine’s efficacy through real‑world data. If the variant’s spread accelerates or if it is linked to increased hospitalization rates, the CDC may consider a booster recommendation or update the vaccine composition in subsequent seasons.

Links for Further Context

Bottom Line

The 73 percent surge in NYC’s flu cases marks a significant shift in the current season, underscored by the detection of a new H3N2 strain that may challenge existing vaccine strategies. While hospitalizations remain low and no fatalities have been reported, the DOHMH’s surveillance and public‑health response—including vaccination drives, masking campaigns, and real‑time data sharing—remain essential to curb the spread. Residents are urged to stay informed, get vaccinated, and adhere to preventive practices to protect themselves and the community as the flu season unfolds.