New York state is seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week, according to the state Department of Health.

Health officials reported 71,123 positive flu cases during the seven-day period ending Dec. 20, a 38% increase from the previous week. It is the most influenza cases the department has recorded in one week since flu became a reportable disease in 2004.

What You Need To Know

New York state reported 71,123 flu cases in one week, the highest ever recorded

Cases jumped 38% week over week, driven largely by the influenza A H3 subtype

Flu-related hospitalizations rose 63%, already surpassing last season’s peak

Health officials urge vaccination and say it’s not too late to get a flu shot

Dr. James McDonald, commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, said the surge is largely being driven by the dominant strain circulating this season.

“It’s an influenza A virus, but it’s the H3 subtype. Generally, when you get that predominant subtype, you get a more severe flu season. What we’re seeing is more severe cases,” McDonald said.

McDonald said he expects flu activity to worsen before it improves, calling the current outbreak a “significant flu season.” He added that it remains difficult to predict when the state will reach its peak. Last year, flu activity peaked toward the end of January, and flu season typically lasts through April.

Hospitalizations are also climbing sharply. State data shows a 63% increase in flu-related hospitalizations, with 3,666 patients hospitalized statewide, up from 2,251 the week before. That figure already surpasses last season’s peak of roughly 3,500 hospitalizations.

Data from NYC Health & Hospitals shows children under 18 are visiting emergency rooms at the highest rate across the city.

McDonald urged New Yorkers who have not yet been vaccinated to get a flu shot, stressing it is not too late.

“Keep in mind when you get the flu vaccine, it takes your body about two weeks to develop any immunity to it, and that immunity should last you for six months or so,” he said. “I got my vaccine in early October, and that’s when most people do get it. But I do want to remind people it’s still a good time to get the flu vaccine.”

While vaccination rates in New York are similar to last year, McDonald said that level of coverage “quite frankly isn’t good enough because more people are getting the flu.”

Health officials also recommend preventative measures such as frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.

The flu is treatable with antiviral medications. McDonald said not everyone needs antivirals, but people 65 and older, those with chronic illnesses, and children under age 4 benefit most. He encouraged anyone experiencing flu symptoms to speak with a doctor about treatment options.

With holiday gatherings continuing and New Year’s Eve approaching, McDonald urged sick individuals to stay home.

“I think it’s great to get together. We share our love, our joy, we share our germs as well,” he said. “One thing that will be important to do is if you’re sick, you have a cough, you really shouldn’t be gathering.”

Outdoor celebrations, including New Year’s Eve in Times Square, are less concerning, he said.

“When people are outdoors, there’s great ventilation. So I’m not super worried about New Year’s Eve and Times Square. I think people should have a great time,” McDonald said.