Flu Cases Skyrocket in New York City, Earlier Than Expected

New York City is grappling with a surprisingly early start to the flu season, with a significant increase in cases reported over the past month.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that New York City, along with Long Island and North Jersey, had some of the highest levels of flu-like illnesses in the United States as of December 6.

Dr. Michelle Morse, the city’s acting health commissioner, has issued a call for residents to get vaccinated against the flu and to wear masks if they are feeling unwell. She noted the “skyrocketing” rate of flu infections within the city.

The severity of the outbreak is underscored by the temporary closure of Poly Prep Country Day School, a private institution in Brooklyn. Jennifer Slomack, the school’s senior director of engagement and communications, reported that the school closed for two days last week after at least 200 students were either absent or sent home due to the flu or flu-like symptoms.

Poly Prep's Dyker Heights campus, serving nearly 900 middle and upper school students, shut down on Wednesday and Thursday following a significant portion – approximately one-third – of the student body falling ill earlier in the week, according to Slomack.

Slomack stated that the rapid increase in the number of sick students played a key role in the decision to close the school. The closure allowed for an “intensive disinfection” of the campus before it reopened on Friday, she added.