How New Yorkers can avoid catching the flu (and FOMO) this holiday season

Flu season is back, threatening to disrupt holiday gatherings. To combat rising influenza cases in New York, the city's health department is launching a $1 million campaign that leverages FOMO, or the fear of missing out, to encourage residents to take preventative measures.

The "Don't Miss Out" campaign encourages New Yorkers to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses. Recommendations include frequent hand-washing, mask-wearing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting surfaces. One of the campaign's posters reads, "Less sick time. More together time."

Experts are concerned that this year's flu season could be particularly severe. Virologist Andy Pekosz from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health noted that one circulating flu variant has mutations that may reduce its sensitivity to vaccine-induced immunity. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he emphasized that the flu vaccine should still offer protection against severe illness and hospitalization from that variant, and provide stronger protection against other strains.

According to the state Department of Health, over 64,000 flu cases have been reported statewide this season. Confirmed cases rose by 29% between the final week of November and the first week of December. Hospitalizations due to the flu also jumped by 75% during the first week of December, with approximately 1,400 New Yorkers requiring hospital care.

Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention at Mount Sinai Health System, pointed out that flu season arrived earlier this year compared to last year. The peak is still expected after the holidays. The CDC lists fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches as common flu symptoms.

Dr. Camins advises those who are sick to stay home from work or school until they are fever-free. He also recommends wearing a mask when respiratory viruses are circulating, especially if you have symptoms. He suggests seeing a doctor within 48 hours of symptom onset to get diagnosed and possibly receive a prescription for antiviral medication. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can alleviate fever and body aches.

He acknowledges that staying healthy can be challenging when someone in your household is sick. Frequent hand-washing is crucial, especially for caregivers.