STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island’s flu cases have declined for the second consecutive week, offering relief after a 10-week surge, according to the latest state Health Department data.
The borough reported 727 new cases last week, down from 1,298 the previous week. Flu hospitalizations also fell from 130 to 111 during the same period.
The decline follows a peak of 2,429 cases for the week ending Dec. 20, 2025, a record for the borough.
A strain of Influenza A virus called H3, dubbed the “super flu” because of its severity, continues to hit hardest. The state agency reports that 95% of cases in New York have been influenza A/H3, while 5% have been influenza A/H1.
The 2025-2026 flu season in the U.S. has been dominated by the H3N2 variant, which accounts for 86% of Influenza A cases, according to Dr. Ana Mendez, chief of Ambulatory Pediatrics at Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton.
Most admissions for viral illnesses in the first three weeks of December were children with Influenza A, Mendez said, noting the same trend at RUMC’s Pediatric Clinic.
“Children oftentimes are admitted due to dehydration and require IV fluids as part of their symptomatic care,” said Dr. Dolly Sharma, a pediatrician at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
Influenza A activity in the country usually peaks from January through March, Sharma said. But on Staten Island, it appears that a dramatic early season peak at the end of 2025 may make for less cases at the start of this year.
Still, Influenza B infection typically comes after Influenza A and peaks from March through May.
Vaccination remains critical in prevention, Sharma said. Although some individuals who receive the vaccine still acquire the flu virus, data indicates that being vaccinated may provide some protection against the virus, leading to milder symptoms and may prevent hospitalizations.
The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses, including covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands often and staying home when sick. Individuals who are eligible can get vaccinated for flu, COVID-19 and RSV.
The agency also recommends flu antiviral treatment as soon as possible for people who are very sick or at higher risk of developing serious complications because of their age or the presence of certain underlying conditions.
States hit hardest with flu in addition to New York are New Jersey, South Carolina, Louisiana and Colorado, the CDC reports.