New York City has seen more flu cases recorded so far this season than in each of the last two seasons, with more than half of the 125,000-plus cases involving children, new health data out Thursday shows.
Health officials are expected to announce the new information at a press conference.
There is some good news, though. Health officials have noticed a decline in recent weeks.
The week ending Dec. 20 saw the city’s highest-ever number of weekly reported cases (about 32,000). The new case load was almost cut in half (about 18,000) the following week and dropped further (12,000) the week ending Jan. 3, which is the most recent data available.
Officials say flu season typically peaks in January. At this point, it’s too early to tell determine whether the decline in weekly reported cases means the peak has passed or whether there may be a post-holiday surge.
The city’s latest update follows the state’s most recent report, which noted it recorded more flu hospitalizations in a single week than it had ever seen. And that came on the heels of a state weekly case high.
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.
In New York City, health officials say they remain concerned about the dropping share of kids getting inoculated. Recent data shows the vaccination rate dropping at a higher rate for kids than adults.
Flu 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.
Health officials stress it’s not too late in the season to get your flu shot.
The flu vaccine is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician’s offices across the state. It’s available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a healthcare provider’s office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a healthcare provider’s office.
New York health officials shared other “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.
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