New York has reported record flu hospitalizations, prompting health officials to urge immediate vaccination as a new variant spreads across the state.
The New York State Department of Health has announced a record number of flu hospitalizations, marking the highest weekly total ever recorded. The alarming increase was confirmed in a press release on January 2, as flu cases continue to surge both in the state and nationwide.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State, including New York City, has consistently reported the highest numbers of respiratory illness cases in the country over the past few weeks. Other states have also seen a rise in respiratory activity, with several reaching the “very high” category as of the week ending December 27.
Recent statistics from the New York health department revealed a total of 4,546 hospitalizations from December 26, 2025, to January 2, 2026, representing an increase of nearly 1,000 cases from the previous week. This follows an earlier announcement by the department regarding the highest number of flu cases recorded in a single week.
Dr. James McDonald, New York’s Acting Commissioner of Health, emphasized the severity of the current flu season compared to previous years. “Almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent seven-day period compared to the prior week,” he stated. He also reminded the public that there is still time to receive a flu shot and that antiviral medications can be effective if administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, as determined by a healthcare provider.
Health officials are actively encouraging Americans to consider getting vaccinated against the flu, viewing the vaccine as a critical line of defense against viral exposure and transmission. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Neil Maniar, a professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University, reassured the public that it is not too late to get vaccinated, especially since peak flu season typically occurs in January.
“The vaccine still provides protection against serious illness resulting from the subclade K variant that seems to be going around,” Dr. Maniar noted. He highlighted that even healthy individuals can experience severe illness from the flu, making vaccination beneficial for nearly everyone.
Individuals typically begin to develop some degree of protection within a few days of receiving the vaccine, with full benefits realized within about two weeks. “Now is the time for anyone who hasn’t gotten the vaccine yet,” Dr. Maniar urged.
Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. The rise in cases has been attributed to a mutation of the influenza A H3N2 virus, known as subclade K, which has been linked to more intense symptoms and a higher risk of transmission.
“It’s becoming evident that this is a pretty severe variant of the flu,” Dr. Maniar said. “Certainly, in other parts of the world where this variant has been prevalent, it has caused some severe illness, and we’re seeing an aggressive flu season already.”
In response to the growing threat of flu infection, New York State recommends several preventive measures. These include frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth, steering clear of close contact with sick individuals, disinfecting surfaces, and staying home when feeling unwell.
As the flu season progresses, officials continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities.
According to Fox News, the current flu season’s challenges underscore the importance of vaccination and public health measures in combating the spread of the virus.