NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing Nearly 143,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing Nearly 143,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

More than 2,200 Flu Cases Reported Last Week as Flu Continues to Circulate in New York City Despite Five Weeks of Decline in New Cases

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

NEW YORK - Today, the New York City Health Department released new data on respiratory virus season indicating more than 2,200 lab-reported cases for the week ending January 24. The Health Department warns that flu season can last until early May, and reminds New Yorkers there is still time to get vaccinated while following recommendations to protect themselves and their loved ones.

"Flu numbers are heading in the right direction, but the virus is unpredictable and flu season won't be over for another few months," said Dr. Toni Eyssallenne, New York City Health Department Deputy Chief Medical Officer. "During that time, we will continue to monitor the numbers in case they start to tick up again. New Yorkers should continue to take precautions: Get the flu shot, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick."

To date this season, there have been nearly143,000 positive flu cases reported in New York City. Over half, 52 percent, have been children under 18. For the week ending January 24, there were more than 2,200 laboratory-reported flu cases, continuing a decline over the past several weeks. The proportions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations with flu diagnoses continue to drop as well, with each at less than 1 percent.

Among other respiratory viruses, laboratory-reported RSV cases remain elevated, with more than 2,200 cases reported in the last week. The proportions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations with RSV diagnoses also remain elevated compared with the previous week, particularly among children under 5 years old. COVID-19 cases are low and decreased to 954 cases compared to 1,052 cases the previous week. Emergency room visits and hospital admissions with COVID-19 diagnoses also have declined in the past week compared with the previous week.

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 February 5, with data through the week ending January 31.

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 health insurance enrollment, 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.

###

006-26

MEDIA CONTACT: [email protected]