New York State is experiencing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week, state health officials announced Monday.
According to the New York State Department of Health, 71,123 positive flu cases were reported for the seven days ending December 20, 2025 — a 38 percent increase over the previous week. This is the largest weekly total since influenza became a reportable disease in 2004. So far this season, 189,312 flu cases have been reported statewide.
Hospitalizations have also risen sharply, climbing 63 percent from 2,251 to 3,666 in just one week. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said officials are closely reviewing hospital bed capacity to track trends and plan responses to respiratory illnesses.
Earlier this month, the Department declared influenza prevalent in New York, requiring health care personnel who have not received the 2025 flu vaccine to wear masks in patient areas.
Dr. McDonald emphasized that simple steps can help protect New Yorkers from the flu, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick, and practicing everyday preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and covering coughs or sneezes.
The flu vaccine remains widely available for people six months and older at pharmacies, clinics, and doctors’ offices. Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, can treat influenza in high-risk individuals if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Officials note that young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic conditions, and those 65 and older are most at risk for serious flu complications. The seasonal flu typically peaks in January, meaning vaccination and preventive measures are still recommended.
For more information, New Yorkers can visit the state Department of Health’s flu website and access weekly flu tracker reports.
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