NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing More Than 140,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing More Than 140,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

More than 3,600 Flu Cases Reported Last Week as Flu Continues to Circulate in New York City

This Season, 52 Percent of Flu Cases in New York City Among Children Under 18

Flu Season Isn't Over: Get Vaccinated, Stay Home if Sick, Wear a Mask, and Wash Your Hands

January 22, 2026 - Today, the New York City Health Department released new data on respiratory virus season as the city continues to see lab-reported flu cases amid recent federal changes to the childhood vaccination schedule. New data show that flu continues to circulate in New York City, with more than 3,600 lab-reported cases for the week ending January 17. The Health Department warns that flu season can last until early May, and reminds New Yorkers there is still time to get vaccinated while continuing to follow recommendations to protect themselves and their loved ones.

"This record-breaking flu season has been tough on New Yorkers. Although we're beginning to see a decrease in the number of cases, flu seasons are unpredictable and can last through May," said New York City Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "Don't let your guard down: Get vaccinated, stay home or wear a mask if you're sick, and wash your hands frequently."

To date this season, there have been more than 140,000 positive flu cases reported in New York City. Over half, 52 percent, have been children under 18. For the week ending January 17, there were more than 3,600 laboratory-reported flu cases, a notable decline from the previous week. Approximately 1.3 percent of emergency room visits had flu diagnoses, down from 2.5 percent in the prior week. The proportion of hospitalizations with flu diagnoses decreased from 2.1 percent to 0.9 percent, compared with the previous week.

Among other respiratory viruses, laboratory-reported RSV cases remained relatively stable overall, but New York City is still seeing its largest number of cases among New Yorkers younger than 18 years old. The proportion of emergency room visits with RSV remained stable while the proportion of hospitalizations with RSV increased from 0.3 percent to 0.4 percent compared with the previous week. COVID-19 cases are low and decreased to almost 1000 cases compared to 1300 cases the previous week. While emergency room visits with COVID-19 are stable, we are seeing increases in hospital admissions with COVID-19.

The NYC Health Department will continue to update these preliminary data as new information is received. The Health Department's Respiratory Illness Data Page will be updated next on January 29, with data through the week ending January 24.

Last year's flu season (2024-2025) was record-setting for pediatric flu deaths, with 289 children reported nationwide. Of the 289 children who passed away from flu and were eligible to get a flu shot, 89 percent had not been vaccinated.  Preliminary research from the United Kingdom found that this year's flu vaccine was more than 70 percent effective at keeping children and adolescents out of the hospital.

Stay Safe

While a recent decrease in reported flu cases is good news, the NYC Health Department is reminding New Yorkers that flu season is far from over, and cases could rise in the coming weeks. The department is urging New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue taking precautions to stay healthy and safe.

COVID-19, flu, and RSV can cause serious illness and make you sick for days or even weeks. Each year, about 1,500 to 2,000 New Yorkers die of seasonal flu and pneumonia, which can develop as a complication of any of these three viruses. More than 900 people died from COVID-19 in New York City in 2024. If you or someone in your household is sick, take precautions, such as:

• Get vaccinated
• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands often
• Cover your coughs and sneezes
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Stay home when sick

The Health Department recommends all New Yorkers 6 months and older get this season's flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Adults 75 and older, and those ages 50-74 with certain chronic conditions or other risk factors, should also get an RSV vaccine if they have not done so before. To protect the youngest New Yorkers, pregnant people should get the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, or their newborn should get an RSV monoclonal antibody.

Ask your health provider if they are offering vaccinations. Vaccines are available from hundreds of providers around the city, including pharmacies. Find a COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccine near you by using the NYC Health Map. No-cost options are available for people who are uninsured. To assess your eligibility for enrollment in health insurance, call 311.

The Health Department's Respiratory Illness Data Page posts data on COVID-19, flu, and RSV trends across the city, updated every Thursday.

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