NYC Flu Cases Drop After Reaching 20-Year High

The New York City Health Department on Thursday warned residents about persistently high flu activity, even as the numer of cases showed some decline in January.

For the week ending December 20, 2025, more than 32,000 positive flu cases were reported in New York City.  This was the most the Health Department has seen reported in a single week since 2005, when full-year data first became available, officials said.

"As the season continues, it's important for New Yorkers to roll up their sleeves and get their updated flu shots to protect themselves and their families from serious illness,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse said in a statement. “With the federal government weakening the vaccine schedule at the height of flu season, the Health Department is affirming its recommendations to take advantage of life-saving vaccines.”

To date this season, there have been over 128,000 positive flu cases reported in New York City. Over half of that number, 54%, have been children under 18.

For the week ending January 3, 2026, there were more than 12,000 laboratory-reported flu cases, marking a notable decline from the previous week, officials said. Among last week’s new cases, 30% were children under 18 years. Approximately 5% of emergency room visits were flu-related, which is down from 8% in the prior week. The proportion of hospitalizations related to the flu decreased to 3.5% from 4.5%, compared with the previous week.

Among other respiratory viruses, the proportion of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remain elevated, particularly among those aged 0-4, while COVID-19 activity remains relatively low and stable for now, officials said.

Last year’s flu season (2024-2025) was record-setting for pediatric flu deaths. Of the 288 children nationwide who passed away from flu and were eligible to get a flu shot, 89% had not been vaccinated.

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.

If you or someone in your household is sick, the Health Department suggests taking precautions, including: 

• Getting vaccinated.

• Wearing a mask.

• Washing your hands often.

• Covering your coughs and sneezes.

• Frequently cleaning touched surfaces.

• And to stay home when sick.