New York State Department of Health Announces Start of Weekly Flu Report and Activates Statewide Flu Tracker Website

Seasonal Dashboard Provides Snapshot View of Influenza Virus Activity Across State

Department Urges New Yorkers to Avoid Serious Illness by Getting Flu Vaccine

Flu Vaccines Are Widely Available: vaccines.gov

ALBANY, N.Y. (November 1, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today announced that as the transmission of seasonal respiratory illnesses is underway, the State's weekly flu reports and Flu Tracker website have been activated. This seasonal dashboard provides a snapshot of lab-confirmed cases and hospitalizations, with options to view the data by geographic location and track trends over time.

"As we head into the fall and winter seasons, where we typically see a surge in respiratory infections, I urge all New Yorkers aged six months and older to get vaccinated against the flu," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "This annual vaccine - developed to target the strains that emerge each year to ensure utmost effectiveness - is safe, effective and readily available across New York. It provides the best protection against serious illness and inhibits the spread of disease within families and communities."

The Department's first Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report of the season, for the week ending October 19, 2024, shows there were 565 lab-confirmed cases reported across New York. Additionally, 26 people were hospitalized with influenza, and five outbreaks were reported in long-term and acute care facilities.

The most recent Surveillance Report, for the week ending October 26, shows a 42-percent increase in positive cases, to 824, when compared with the previous week. Reported influenza hospitalizations were 30, a 10-percent increase from the prior week, with two outbreaks reported in hospitals, and two in nursing homes for a total to date of nine lab-confirmed outbreaks in those facilities.

Both reports are available on the Department's Flu Tracker website, which provides timely information about local, regional and statewide flu activity.

Avoiding illness by getting the flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older and particularly for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.

As rates are currently low, State Health Commissioner McDonald has not declared that flu is prevalent, however the winter months typically see a steady increase in influenza as people are generally in close proximity and indoors, which increases transmission opportunities.

Once the Health Commissioner declares that flu is prevalent in New York State, health care and residential facilities and agencies regulated by the Department must ensure that health care personnel who are not vaccinated against flu wear a mask when in areas where patients or residents might be present, to avoid exposing those most vulnerable to the flu.

More information on the flu mask regulation, including the status of the Health Commissioner's declaration can be found here.

The flu vaccine is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician's offices across the state. The Department also strongly encourages everyone who is eligible, aged 6 months and older, to get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. To find a nearby flu or COVID-19 vaccine location, visit vaccines.gov. In addition to a flu shot, individuals who experience symptoms or live with, care for, or are considered at a heightened risk of severe illness - including children five years of age or younger, pregnant people, older adults and those with underlying health conditions - should also consider wearing a well-fitting mask.

Symptoms of flu, a contagious illness that can cause mild to severe illness and potentially death, may include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children)

Simple preventative actions can also help stop the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For more information about influenza in New York, visit the Department of Health's flu website.

The Department also provides information about COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), including prevention measures, where to find vaccines and treatment options.

To increase public knowledge about the spread of these respiratory illness, and the importance of vaccinations as a critical prevention step, the Department also shares information on social media platforms Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook.