NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing More Than 144,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing More Than 144,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

More than 1,400 Flu Cases Reported Last Week as Flu Continues to Circulate in New York City

This Season, 52 Percent of Flu Cases in New York City Among Children Under 18

For the First Time This Respiratory Virus Season, the NYC Health Department Is Reporting Four Pediatric Flu Deaths

February 5, 2026 - Today, the NYC Health Department released new data on respiratory virus season as the flu continues to circulate in New York City despite several weeks of decline. New data show more than 1,400 lab-reported cases for the week ending January 31. For the first time this respiratory virus season, the department is reporting four pediatric flu deaths. Flu season can last until early May, as the NYC Health Department reminds New Yorkers there is still time to get vaccinated while continuing to follow recommendations to protect themselves and their loved ones.

"This flu season brought an early and rapid rise in flu cases compared to the last two flu seasons, especially among children. Sadly, we're now reporting four pediatric flu deaths in New York City this season. No one should lose a child to a disease for which the most serious of outcomes can often be prevented by vaccination," said New York City Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "Despite recent declines, it's normal for flu cases to tick up again at this time of year. We continue to recommend keeping yourself and your family protected by getting vaccinated, washing your hands often, and staying hydrated."

To date this season, there have been more than 144,000 positive flu cases reported in New York City. Over half, 52 percent, have been children under 18. For the week ending January 31, there were more than 1,400 laboratory-reported flu cases, marking the sixth straight week of declining flu cases. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations with flu diagnoses continue to decrease and remain at less than 1 percent.

Among other respiratory viruses, laboratory-reported RSV cases remained relatively stable overall, but New York City is still seeing its largest number of cases among New Yorkers younger than 5 years old. The proportions of emergency room visits and hospitalizations with RSV diagnoses remain elevated for this group. COVID-19 cases are low and decreased to over 700 cases compared to over 900 cases the previous week. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations with COVID-19 diagnoses remained stable.

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 12, with data through the week ending February 7.

Last year's flu season (2024-2025) was record-setting for pediatric flu deaths, with 289 deaths 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. Nationwide this respiratory season, 52 pediatric flu deaths have been reported through the week ending January 24. There have been 4 pediatric flu deaths in NYC this respiratory season. 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 enrollment in health insurance, 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.

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