Health officials are warning about a surge in so-called “super flu” cases as a particularly aggressive strain drives higher-than-usual hospitalizations this season. Patients are reporting intense symptoms that can escalate quickly, especially among older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.
Early hospital reports show that more New Yorkers sought emergency care for flu-related complaints in the week ending Dec. 20 than in any comparable week over the past 10 years, the New York Times reported Friday. The city’s emergency room monitoring system logged nearly 10,000 visits for influenza-like illness, surpassing peaks seen during even the most severe flu seasons of the past decade.
While the illness resembles traditional influenza, doctors say its severity and longer recovery time set it apart.
Reported symptoms include high fever, severe body aches, extreme fatigue, persistent cough, sore throat, and headaches that are often more intense than with typical flu cases. Some patients also experience shortness of breath, chest pain, gastrointestinal issues, and prolonged weakness that can last weeks after the acute illness subsides.
Experts stress that early treatment, vaccination, and knowing when to seek medical care are critical as cases continue to rise.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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