By Ramon Mercedes
NEW YORK.- Flu hospitalizations increased 63%, going from 2,251 to 3,666 admissions in just one week across the state. So far this season, New York has accumulated 189,312 confirmed cases.
The authorities explain that the increase in cases is related to a greater capacity for diagnosis and reporting due to the use of multipathogen tests.
The state Department of Health confirmed that between December 14 and 20, 71,123 positive cases were reported, the highest number ever recorded in a single weekly period and 38% more than the previous week.
In early December, the state officially declared the prevalence of influenza, a measure that requires health care facilities and agencies to require the use of masks by unvaccinated staff in areas where there are patients or residents, as part of containment protocols.
The Department of Health reminded that it is still time to get vaccinated against the flu and that the vaccine is available for people from six months of age.
Groups at highest risk for complications include young children, pregnant women, adults over 65 years of age, and people with chronic illnesses.
Along with vaccination, the authorities insisted on preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face without prior hygiene, limiting contact with sick people, staying home in case of symptoms and disinfecting commonly used surfaces.
According to the Department of Health, these actions remain essential to stop the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses in a season that already marks an all-time record.
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