NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) — With the flu season fast approaching, New Yorkers are being encouraged to get their flu vaccinations.
Last year, the state experienced record-breaking flu cases, with weekly reports reaching an alarming 75,788 in December.
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December was the peak of flu season, with a weekly average of 52,959 reported cases and 2,965 hospitalizations.
The spike in flu cases was linked to the emergence of a new variant of influenza called subclade K. Symptoms included fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, headaches and fatigue, according to the CDC.
Doctors recommend wearing a mask in crowded situations where people are sneezing and coughing.
New Yorkers over the age of 65 and those with weak immune systems should consider getting a high-dose version of the vaccine. Flu vaccines contain two strains of Influenza A and one of Influenza B.
Flu shots are available at no cost for uninsured New Yorkers at the following locations:
BronxBrooklyn
Shazia’s Pharmacy
3166 Coney Island Avenue, 1
ManhattanQueensStaten Island
For more information about respiratory illnesses, click here.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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