New York State Department of Health Confirms Highest Number of Flu Hospitalizations in a Week

State Reports Almost 1,000 More Hospitalizations Than Previous Week

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 2, 2026) - The New York State Department of Health today announced that the state is experiencing the highest number of flu hospitalizations recorded in a single week.

"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. "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."

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.

The Department's most recent data shows a total of 4,546 hospitalizations, almost 1,000 more than last week.

Last week, the Department announced that the state experienced the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week.

Last month, the Department declared that influenza is prevalent in New York State. The declaration requires health care facilities and agencies ensure that their personnel who have not received this year's flu vaccine wear masks in areas where patients and residents may be present.

The number of flu cases reported has risen in recent years with more laboratories testing and reporting results, and with multi-pathogen panels becoming the primary way to test individuals presenting with respiratory symptoms. But this record number underscores that this season is impacting more people than in other recent years. Flu season typically peaks in January.

The latest Respiratory Surveillance Report and Flu Tracker can be found here. Please note, data are updated weekly on Friday by 5 p.m. during the surveillance season.

It is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza, and the flu vaccine is widely available to those 6 months and older. Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those ages 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu.

To treat the flu, there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by health care providers, which can reduce the length and severity of the illness but must be administered close to the onset of symptoms.

The seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu. It can help reduce absences from work, school and extracurricular activities, and provides protection for the most vulnerable members of families and communities.

The flu vaccine is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physician's offices across the state. The flu vaccine is available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a health care provider's office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider's office.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple preventive actions can help stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses:

• 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. For more information about influenza in New York, visit the Department's flu website.

Back to top