NEW YORK — ‘Tis the season for COVID-19 and the flu.
New York City Health officials reported holiday spikes in both ailments and other seasonal illnesses Saturday while urging New Yorkers to take precautions as Christmas and New Year’s Day approach. The uptick includes both an increase in cases and hospitalizations, with the department issuing a health advisory.
“The holiday season is about togetherness and there is a way to gather safely — even as respiratory viruses in our city are unusually high,” said city Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “We want everyone to have a happy — and most of all — healthy holiday.”
According to Vasan, high levels of the flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus were reported with those most at risk including New Yorkers over age 65, infants and people with a weakened immune system.
A health advisory was issued urging people to wear “high quality” masks when indoors and at crowded outdoor settings to slow the spread of the illnesses.
“It starts with protecting yourself,” said Vasan. “Vaccinations and boosters are critical but so are common sense precautions like masking when indoors or among crowds and staying home if you don’t feel well.”
The city’s top health officials also urged New Yorkers to get tested and then treated quickly if diagnosed with any of the ailments. And Vasan said the city will continue to provide pop-up vaccination sites along with other efforts to boost vaccine access.
Officials noted that many pharmacies and doctors’ offices are also offering vaccines, adding it was safe to get both the COVID and flu vaccines at the same time.
New Yorkers can find vaccine providers through the online NYC Vaccine Finder or call 877-829-4692 to schedule an appointment.
“Get tested before getting together,” said Vasan. “And get treated quickly if you test positive.”
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