New York flu cases near 11,000 as hospitalizations jump 40% in a week

Flu cases have climbed to nearly 11,000 throughout the state of New York, while hospitalizations jumped 40% in just one week, prompting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald to warn residents about the surge.

Young children have the highest case rate, according to the state's respiratory viruses dashboard, as McDonald urged residents to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays.

Here's what to know

A statewide declaration of flu prevalence is already in place, according to McDonald. The flu season started about six weeks earlier than usual, he told CNY Central.

Reported cases are more than six times the total at the same point last year, when just over 1,700 were recorded.

Flu is spreading before many residents reach their customary time of year for vaccination, McDonald told CNY Central.

He called for greater participation in vaccination. While vaccination rates are slightly higher than last year, adult flu vaccination coverage remained below 50%.

For residents who usually get vaccinated later, McDonald's message is to get the flu shot earlier. Protection develops over the two weeks following the shot, he noted.

"So, what you have is a little bit of a perfect storm. You have flu coming early but the public isn't immunized yet and what we really need the public to know is flu is earlier this year, so you really need to get your flu vaccine sooner than you normally do," McDonald explained.

Where can I learn more?

New Yorkers and communities elsewhere face other infectious disease risks, too, and each requires different precautions.

• New York's West Nile case count already exceeds 2025's total as warmer weather boosts mosquitoes.

• Florida's Hillsborough County has recorded 223 dengue cases, with many infected residents unaware.

• Massachusetts raised West Nile risk levels in 10 Berkshire County towns after its sixth human case.

• Rabid raccoons are appearing across New York's outer boroughs 57% faster than last year.

• A Kansas elementary school's norovirus outbreak sickened 97, and hand sanitizer won't stop it.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.