Amid one of New York’s worst-ever flu seasons, Friday’s health department update comes with a new worst-ever record: Hospitalizations.

The state saw more flu hospitalizations recorded in a single week last week than it has ever seen.

For the week ending Dec. 27, the state reported 4,546 flu hospitalizations — an increase of 24% and nearly 1,000 more hospitalizations than in the state’s previous report.

It makes sense. Last week, the state announced it had experienced its highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week. A share of those patients end up requiring hospitalization.

In this week’s data, the growth of new flu cases slowed dramatically, which bodes well for future hospitalizations. The state’s flu data tracking only goes back to 2004.

Symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting or diarrhea even though it is more common in children.

Officials say the peak flu season is typically in January, so the spike in cases may not ease for some time.

It comes amid an alarming increase in flu cases across the country. Many of those are driven by a new variant. According to the CDC, only about 42% of adults and kids got a flu vaccination in 2025.

Health officials stress it’s not too late in the season to get your flu shot.

“We are having a more severe flu season than prior years, almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent 7-day period compared to the prior week,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement. “There is still time to get a flu shot and remember, flu can be treated with antiviral medication if started within 48 hours of symptom onset and your doctor deems appropriate.”

New York state health officials shared “simple preventive actions” to take against the spread of the flu:

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.