New York Department of Health announces most flu cases ever recorded in 1 week
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York State is seeing record-breaking numbers of flu cases.
The New York Department of Health announced that their most recent data showed 71,123 positive flu cases reported in the week ending on December 20.
That's the most number of cases ever recorded in a single week since flu cases began being tracked in 2004, and it's spreading fast.
That is a 38% increase in cases over the previous week.
Experts warn it could get worse, especially with people heading back to work after the holidays.
"We all gathered together for the holiday season, and we share our love, our joy, we also share our germs," said New York City Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald.
Flu season typically peaks in January, but the health department says the annual spike came about a month earlier than usual.
This year's flu is similar to previous years in some ways, like high fever, body aches and fatigue, but doctors say with this year's strain, linked to a variant called "subclade K,' is causing more vomiting in children, and symptoms hit faster and more intensely.
"I couldn't even walk. I could barely talk. I needed help with everything I did. I was not able to eat or drink," said Kristy Schreiber, who had the flu.
This year's flu vaccine is based on an older strain that is different, and fewer Americans have been getting their flu shots. One survey found only 34% of adults got them, but doctors say getting one is still the best way to prevent severe illness.
"This year there is a slight mismatch, and so we don't expect that vaccine to prevent all cases of flu, but what we've seen from early studies is it's still really good at preserving people from going to the hospital, staying in the hospital and getting really severe symptoms," said Dr. Tristan McPherson of the New York City Department of Health's Division of Disease Control.
There are treatments if you do get the flu.
"It's a good idea to go and swab and get tested, because you might be able to take an antiviral such as Tamifu for influenza, as long as you start that quickly, usually within 48 hours of symptoms," said ABC News Medical Contributor, Dr. Alok Patel.
The New York City Health Department says the best way to find a local flu vaccine, test or treatment is to go online here.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventive actions can help stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses:
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