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Getty\nRecord-Breaking Flu in New York: What Parents Need to Know Now<\/p>\n
\t\tGetty
\nRecord-Breaking Flu in New York: What Parents Need to Know Now<\/p>\n
What You\u2019ll Learn from This Article:<\/p>\n
Flu cases in New York have reached a record high
\nWhy vaccination still matters
\nWhat steps to take to protect your family<\/p>\n
The past few weeks have been brutal in New York, with the flu hitting hard, ruining holiday plans, and leaving people wiped out for days, if not weeks. Everywhere you go in New York, there\u2019s someone sick with it. The cold weather and snow haven\u2019t made it any easier. If it hasn\u2019t hit your household, consider yourself lucky.<\/p>\n
Of course, this is nothing new, as each year, flu cases rise around this time, but this year, it has hit harder and earlier. Some are calling it the super flu. According to the New York Department of Health<\/a>, New York State just reported the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week, with 71,123 in the seven days ending December 20, 2025, right in time for Christmas.<\/p>\n Psst\u2026 Check Out Where to Find the Best Pediatric Emergency Care in NYC and Beyond<\/a><\/p>\n That\u2019s a huge jump. Cases are up 38% from last week and already higher than last year\u2019s peak. Hospitalizations are up, too. 3,666 people in New York have been admitted for flu-related illness.<\/p>\n The worst news is that this flu hasn\u2019t even hit its peak yet.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are closely monitoring hospitalization trends and working to guide any necessary response,\u201d says State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.<\/p>\n Consequently, it\u2019s more important than ever to pay attention and do daily practices to keep your family safe.\u00a0 McDonald says that while flu activity is high, there are simple things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones if you haven\u2019t come down with it yet.<\/p>\n Get Vaccinated Now<\/p>\n It\u2019s not too late! Any over six months and older can get it at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors\u2019 offices. At the end of the day, the vaccine remains the best defense against contracting serious illness and missing school and work days. It is also the best thing you can do to help prevent complications, which is especially important for young children, pregnant women, older adults, and anyone (kids and adults) with chronic medical conditions.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t Wait to Go to the Doctor<\/p>\n If you or your child feels sick, go right to the doctor. Antiviral medications work, but timing is vital. Medicines like Tamiflu can shorten the flu if started within 48 hours of symptoms.<\/p>\n Be Vigilant and Proactive<\/p>\n One of the most important things you can do is to incorporate small daily practices into your family\u2019s routine.<\/p>\n Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and encourage your kids to do the same (or use sanitizer if soap isn\u2019t available). Remember that flu season usually peaks in January, so don\u2019t wait until school reopens and everyone is back from winter break (and spreading germs). Now is the time to get vaccinated, practice preventive measures, and keep an eye on potential symptoms.<\/p>\n For more details, including local flu surveillance reports, visit the New York State Department of Health\u2019s flu website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Quick Facts<\/p>\n What are the symptoms of the flu?<\/p>\n Flu symptoms hit fast, way faster than a typical cold. Here\u2019s what you usually notice:<\/p>\n Sudden fever or chills If your child (or you) goes from feeling fine to totally wiped out in a few hours, that\u2019s often a big flu clue. And if symptoms feel intense right out of the gate, it\u2019s worth calling your pediatrician, especially since antiviral meds work best early.<\/p>\n What virus is going around that feels like the flu?<\/p>\n There are a few viruses that can feel just like the flu. The most common are RSV, COVID, and other common viruses, which can also cause fever, body aches, exhaustion, cough, and congestion. Symptoms overlap, so you may not know, that\u2019s why seeing your doctor is important. They can pinpoint through tests to figure out what it actually is.<\/p>\n Psst\u2026 Check Out Sick Kids? 4 Comforting Activities to Keep Your Child Entertained and Calm<\/a><\/p>\n
\nTeach your kids not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when they are out, or without clean hands.
\nStay home when you or your kids are sick, plain and simple. This is such a no-brainer and an important step. No one should be at school or work with the flu.
\nCover coughs and sneezes, then toss tissues immediately so germs don\u2019t linger.
\nClean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces. This is especially important in shared spaces. You don\u2019t have to become obsessive (and shouldn\u2019t), but a simple wipedown with an antibacterial wipe is a good practice. If anyone in your home is sick, it\u2019s even more important.
\nKeep a safe distance from people who are sick whenever possible. If there is any sign that someone is sick and going somewhere you will be, it\u2019s worth avoiding the party or get-together. The flu is no joke, and it\u2019s not worth chancing it.<\/p>\n
\nBody aches (the kind that make even lifting your head feel hard)
\nExtreme fatigue or super tiredness
\nHeadache
\nSore throat
\nCough
\nRunny nose but can also be a stuffy nose
\nSometimes vomiting or diarrhea (more common in kids)<\/p>\n
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