The prevalence of flu in New York state is down significantly compared to this time last year, according to an analysis of health tracking data by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. Among the reasons is a close match between the flu vaccine and the actual flu, as well as a majority of the population getting the flu vaccine, according to BCBS.
As of January 9, 2021, there were 2,326 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, 386 patients hospitalized, and no pediatric influenza deaths. At this time last year, the state reported 43,895 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, 7,633 patients hospitalized, and three pediatric influenza deaths.
“We have a proven three-pronged approach to challenging the flu virus: We have a flu vaccine that’s safe and effective and widely available, we have buy-in from much of the public to get the flu vaccine, and we have everyone practicing common-sense behaviors that can reduce the spread of a virus,” said Stephen Cohen, M.D., Excellus BlueCross BlueShield chief medical officer. “The success of this approach in reducing the impact of this year’s flu virus is the template for reducing the impact of COVID-19.”
The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 192.5 million doses of this year’s flu vaccine have been distributed nationally, to date (as of 1/1/21), compared to 174.2 million doses in total for the 2019-2020 flu season.
“Each year brings a new formulation for the flu vaccine to reflect the different strains that are expected, so it’s important for everyone to get the flu vaccine each year,” said Cohen. New York state reports influenza A and B are circulating this season. “And as we’ve learned this year, there’s more to practicing personal responsibility than simply coughing into your elbow. We need to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash our hands effectively and often to protect ourselves and others.” Last year, 22,000 Americans died from the flu and flu-related complications and 405,000 were hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A 2020 survey of 2,000 upstate New York adults commissioned by Excellus BCBS and conducted by One Research found 60 percent of adults believe it is important to get a flu vaccine.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]