Flu activity is rising quickly across New York, and many workplaces may feel noticeably quieter as the season settles in.
State health officials reported more than 14,500 lab-confirmed flu cases in the final week of November — an 80% jump from the previous week. Nearly 800 people were hospitalized, marking a 93% increase over the same period.
Health leaders are urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV as families prepare for winter gatherings.
“We expect a more severe flu season due to circulating strains compared to last year,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said Tuesday, adding that vaccines provide the strongest protection heading into the holidays.
About 3.4 million residents had received their flu shots by mid-November, slightly below last year’s pace of 3.5 million. COVID-19 vaccinations are also lagging, down about 30% from the same point last year, according to state data.
Some of the slowdown followed confusion around access to updated vaccines after federal guidance changed in the fall. Gov. Kathy Hochul has since extended an executive order allowing pharmacies to vaccinate children aged 3 and older. A new regional public health coalition that includes New York has also recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone six months and up.
New York recorded 1,948 COVID cases in the last week of November, a slight decline, while RSV infections climbed to about 2,200 cases, a 17% increase from the previous week.
So far this season, the state has logged 13 respiratory outbreaks in hospitals and 15 in nursing homes. No pediatric deaths tied to COVID-19, the flu, or RSV have been reported.
