Flu cases up, but far below 2018 peak

Confirmed cases rise in state; Capital Region activity light

Flu continues to increase around the state and remains widespread, according to the state Health Department’s weekly surveillance report.

There were 9,376 laboratory-confirmed cases as of Feb. 16, a 9 percent increase from the week before. But activity remains far below 2018’s record season, which peaked almost exactly one year ago at 18,258 cases statewide.

Both national and state health officials say this year’s influenza activity, driven largely by the H1N1 virus, is similar to other H1n1-dominant seasons. Nevertheless, flu remains widespread and they urge anyone who has not gotten vaccinated to do so if they’re able.

Children, senior citizens and immunecompromised individuals are particularly susceptible to flu. Thirty-four children nationwide have died of flu or flu-related illness so far this season, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Three of them were in New York.

In New York, flu has been lightest in the Capital Region, which has only seen 786 labconfirmed cases this season compared to 3,474 cases in New York City, 1,985 on Long Island and in downstate counties, 1,662 in Central New York and 1,469 in Western New York.

In the Capital Region, flu has been most prevalent in Schenectady County with 136 confirmed cases, followed by Saratoga County with 129 and Albany County with 92.

Hospitals and nursing homes in the region have had 39 outbreaks so far this season — far fewer than other areas of the state.