New York State Department of Health Confirms Most Flu Cases Ever Recorded in One Week
New York State Reports 71,123 Flu Cases This Week
Flu Cases Higher Than Peak Last Year
ALBANY, N.Y. (December 26, 2025) - The New York State Department of Health today announced that the state is experiencing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week.
We are seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week in New York State, State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. We are closely reviewing hospital bed capacity data to better understand hospitalization trends and to guide any necessary response related to impacts from respiratory viral infections. While influenza activity is elevated, there are simple steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves and those around them, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick and practicing everyday preventive measures. Flu is treatable for high-risk people with antiviral medicine, if taken within 48 hours of symptoms.
Earlier this month, the Department declared that influenza is prevalent in New York State. The declaration requires health care facilities and agencies ensure that their personnel who have not received this year's flu vaccine wear masks in areas where patients and residents may be present.
The Department's most recent data shows a total of 71,123 positive flu cases reported for the seven days ending December 20, 2025, the most that the Department has ever recorded in one week since influenza was made reportable in 2004. This is a rise of 38 percent over the previous week. There have been 189,312 positive flu cases reported in New York this season to date.
Hospitalizations due to influenza climbed by 63 percent, up from 2,251 in the previous week to 3,666 across the State.
The number of flu cases reported has risen in recent years with more laboratories testing and reporting results, and with multi-pathogen panels becoming the primary way to test individuals presenting with respiratory symptoms. But this record number underscores that this season is impacting more people than in other recent years. Flu season typically peaks in January.
The latest Respiratory Surveillance Report and Flu Tracker can be found here and here.
It is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza, and the flu vaccine is widely available to those 6 months and older. Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those ages 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu.
To treat the flu, there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by health care providers, such as Tamiflu, which can reduce the length and severity of the illness but must be administered close to the onset of symptoms.
The seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu. It can help reduce absences from work, school and extracurricular activities, and provides protection for the most vulnerable members of families and communities.
The flu vaccine is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician's offices across the state. The flu vaccine is available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a health care provider's office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office.
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventive actions can help stop the spread of influenza 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's flu website.
