ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) — Flu season is getting underway about six weeks earlier than usual in New York, with cases and hospitalizations rising sharply across the state, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

The state’s latest data shows flu cases increased 19% in one week, while hospitalizations rose 17%. Compared with the same period last year, both cases and hospitalizations are up more than 400%.

McDonald said flu activity is already widespread across New York, including the Capital Region, as health officials urge residents to take precautions ahead of Halloween gatherings and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Health officials say the virus spreads from person to person, including through coughs and sneezes. McDonald emphasized that people who are sick should avoid gatherings and stay home from work and school to help prevent further transmission.

“When we’re close together, we spread the flu if you’re sick,” McDonald said. “I think one of the key things to remember is if you’re sick, let’s not visit with folks, let’s not go to school, and let’s kind of stay home from work.”

McDonald is also urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated. He said the current flu vaccine still offers some protection against the new strain and can help reduce the risk of serious illness.

It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide its maximum protection, making vaccination an important step as people prepare for holiday gatherings.

The state Health Department has also launched a new respiratory virus dashboard tracking cases and hospitalizations for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, across New York.

Residents can use the dashboard to follow respiratory virus activity across the state.

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