New York state is experiencing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week, according to the State’s Department of Health.
71,123 positive flu cases were reported during a seven-day stretch ending on December 20, 2025, a 38% increase over the previous week.
This is the most influenza cases the department has ever recorded in one week since influenza was made reportable in 2004.
Dr. Jim McDonald, the commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, told NY1 the rise of cases has a lot to do with the strain of the flu.
“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,” ge said.
Dr. McDonald said he expects these numbers will get worse before they get better, calling this a “significant flu season.” He also said it is hard to predict when peak flu season will be this year. In 2024, it was at the end of January. Flu season typically lasts through April.
There was a 63% increase in hospitalizations due to influenza, with 3,666 across New York, up from 2,251 the previous week. That number is higher than the peak of last year, which was approximately 3,500 people in hospitals.
According to data from NYC Health & Hospitals, children under 18 years old are ending up in emergency rooms across the city at the highest rate.
Dr. McDonald encouraged everyone to get the flu vaccine if they have not done so already, 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. I got my vaccine in early October and that’s when most people do get it. But do you want to remind people, it’s still a good time to get the flu vaccine,” he said.
While he said the number of people who have been vaccinated in New York state is about the same as last year, he said it “quite frankly isn’t good enough because more people are getting the flu.”
Other preventative measures include washing hands, staying home when sick, covering your cough or sneeze and disinfecting frequently touched objects or surfaces.
The flu is treatable with antiviral medication. While not everyone needs an antiviral medication for influenza, Dr. McDonald said people 65 and older, people with chronic disease, and children under the age of 4 benefit from antiviral medication. He suggests speaking to your doctor about antiviral medication if coming down with the flu.
As the holiday season continues and New Year’s Eve approaches, Dr. McDonald told NY1, “I think it’s great to get together, we share our love, our joy, we share our germs as well. One thing that will be important to do is if you’re sick, you have a cough, you really shouldn’t be gathering.”
He added that outdoor gatherings do not worry him as much.
“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,” he said.