NYC Health Department Releases New Data Showing More Than 136,000 Flu Cases This Respiratory Virus Season

Over 8,000 Flu Cases Reported In New York City In Latest Week of Reporting, As Flu Continues to Circulate at High Levels Despite Recent Decline

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

Health Department Warns That Flu Season Isn't Over: Get Vaccinated, Stay Home if Sick, Wear a Mask, and Wash Your Hands

VIDEO: Watch the NYC Health Department's most recent media brief on this flu season in collaboration with the NYC Department of Health

January 15, 2026 - Today, the New York City Health Department released new data on respiratory virus season as the city continues to see a high number of lab-reported flu cases amid recent federal changes to the childhood vaccination schedule. New data show that flu continues to circulate at high levels in New York City, with more than 8,000 lab-reported cases for the week ending January 10, despite three weeks of decline. The Health Department is warning New Yorkers that flu season is months away from being over, which can last until early May, and reminds New Yorkers there is still time to get vaccinated while continuing to follow recommendations to protect themselves and their loved ones.

"We are still in flu season and must continue doing everything we can to keep ourselves, our families and our neighbors healthy," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "The most effective way to do that is by getting vaccinated. In a city where we live, work and commute in close quarters, protecting yourself from the flu is also a commitment to protect the many New Yorkers who are a part of our daily lives. I got my flu shot in October, and I encourage every New Yorker to do the same."

"Flu season is still far from over, and the recent decline in flu cases is not enough to say if we are past this season's peak. Flu seasons are unpredictable, and the virus continues to circulate at high levels," said New York City Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. "This is not the time for New Yorkers to relax their efforts to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from these deadly respiratory viruses. The best tool we have is vaccination."

"Flu activity remains elevated across New York, and the data out of New York City underscore what we're seeing statewide: this season is far from over," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. "Vaccination remains our strongest defense-especially for children, older adults and those with underlying conditions. We urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant, get vaccinated and take everyday precautions to protect themselves and those around them."

To date this season, there have been over 136,000 positive flu cases reported in New York City. Over half of that number, 52 percent, have been children under 18. For the week ending January 10, there were more than 8,000 laboratory-reported flu cases, marking a notable decline from the previous week.  Approximately 2.5 percent of emergency room visits were flu-related, down from 5 percent in the prior week. The proportion of hospitalizations related to the flu decreased from 3.5 percent to 2 percent, compared with the previous week. 

Federal leaders are spreading inaccurate information and undermining public health. State and local governments are stepping in to fill the void-and as the oldest and largest local health department in the country, the NYC Health Department is leading the charge:

• Launching a bold marketing campaign encouraging New Yorkers to stay safe and healthy this respiratory virus season so they "Don't Miss Out" on the holidays with their friends and family;
• Partnering with WNBA champions the New York Liberty to promote flu vaccination, including videos with star point guard Tash Cloud and New York City icon Ellie the Elephant;
• Partnering with the New York State Department of Health to produce an "Ask the Experts" video series to educate and inform New Yorkers this respiratory virus season;
• Working in close coordination with colleagues across city government to reach more New Yorkers.

Among other respiratory viruses, while laboratory-reported RSV cases overall remained relatively stable, we're seeing decreases in RSV cases among New Yorkers younger than 18 years old and small increases among adults. The proportion of ED visits and admissions with RSV decreased by 20-30 percent compared with the previous week. COVID-19 cases are low but increased 13 percent compared with the previous week. We are also starting to see increases in ED visits and admissions with COVID-19. The 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 January 22, with data through the week ending January 17. 

Last year's flu season (2024-2025) was record-setting for pediatric flu deaths, with 289 children 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. 

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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