New York (PIX11) – Four children have died this flu season, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene announced Thursday.
Thousands of flu cases continue to be reported, with over 50 percent affecting children under 18.
Flu activity has declined since peaking in mid-December, according to data from NYC Health. However, other respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and RSV, continue to circulate across the five boroughs.
The deaths are the first for the season, according to officials.
“This flu season brought an early and rapid rise in flu cases compared to the last two flu seasons, especially among children,” said New York City Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “Sadly, we’re now reporting four pediatric flu deaths in New York City this season. No one should lose a child to a disease for which the most serious of outcomes can often be prevented by vaccination. Despite recent declines, it’s normal for flu cases to tick up again at this time of year. We continue to recommend keeping yourself and your family protected by getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, and staying hydrated.”
How to avoid the flu
The Health Department recommends all New Yorkers 6 months and older get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Adults aged 75 and older and New Yorkers with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors should also get an RSV vaccine if they have not already received it.
Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Here’s how
How to reduce the spread of the flu, RSV, and COVID-19?
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Frequently clean touched surfaces.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.