An unusually early flu season is sending more New Yorkers to hospitals, driven by the aggressive H3N2 strain, according to WSTM. State health officials say flu activity is now widespread across New York.
Health Commissioner Jim McDonald said H3N2 dominates cases and fuels the rise in hospitalizations. Pharmacists report spikes in Tamiflu prescriptions, flu questions, and over-the-counter medicine sales as people scramble for relief.
Officials also pointed to limited federal messaging on flu vaccines this year, pushing states to fill the gap. Doctors still urge vaccinations, symptom monitoring, rest, fluids, and medical care if fevers won’t come down after several days.
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