New York: Influenza Season 2025-26

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New York Capital Region
Hospitals Restrict Visitors as Influenza Rates Spike
DECEMBER 18, 2025


Albany Med Health System has become the latest hospital system to restrict visitors to patients in their facilities.

The new guidelines went into effect on Dec. 15 and impacted Saratoga Hospital, Glens Falls Hospital, Albany Medical Center and Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Under the new restrictions, children under 12, visitors with flu-like symptoms, rashes and diarrhea are all prohibited from visiting patients. In addition, only two visitors are allowed to visit a patient’s bedside at one time.

-snip-
Albany Med isn’t the first local hospital to implement visitor restrictions. Ellis Medicine implemented similar restrictions on Dec. 3 and Trinity Health System — which includes St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany and Samaritan Hospital in Troy — implemented the restrictions on Dec. 8.

The restrictions come amid a spike in flu cases across New York. As of Dec. 6, there have been 24,287 lab confirmed cases of flu in New York State this season resulting in 1,399 hospitalizations for the virus, according to the Department of Health. Saratoga County alone has seen 134 lab confirmed cases, a rate of 55.75 cases per 100,000 residents. These cases have resulted in 5 hospitalizations.

... https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/h...a-rates-spike/

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During the week ending December 13, 2025

• As of December 2, 2025, the Health Commissioner declared influenza prevalent in New York State. At this time, Section 2.59 of the New York State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR § 2.59) requires all health care and residential facilities and agencies regulated pursuant to Article 28, 36, or 40 of the public health law to ensure that all personnel, as defined in the regulation, not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents are typically present.

• There were 27 respiratory outbreaks in hospitals and 62 respiratory outbreaks in nursing homes for this reporting period. Season to date, a total of 399 viral respiratory pathogen outbreaks have been reported from hospitals and nursing homes.

• Influenza A is the predominant influenza virus currently circulating in New York State. Of the influenza A specimens subtyped this season, 94% have been influenza A/H3 and 6% have been influenza A/H1.

• There was one influenza-associated pediatric death reported this week. One influenza-associated pediatric death has been reported this season.

• There were no COVID-19-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. No COVID-19-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• There were no RSV-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. No RSV-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• Wastewater surveillance data can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/wastewater/.

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses/activity/2025-2026/docs/current_respiratory_report.pdf

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Influenza Cases in New York State this Week
Current Week ending 12/13/25

https://nyshc.health.ny.gov/web/nyapd/new-york-state-flu-tracker

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During the week ending December 20, 2025

• As of December 2, 2025, the Health Commissioner declared influenza prevalent in New York State. At this time, Section 2.59 of the New York State Sanitary Code

(10 NYCRR § 2.59) requires all health care and residential facilities and agencies regulated pursuant to Article 28, 36, or 40 of the public health law to ensure that

all personnel, as defined in the regulation, not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas

where patients or residents are typically present.

• There were 55 respiratory outbreaks in hospitals and 79 respiratory outbreaks in nursing homes for this reporting period. Season to date, a total of 549 viral

respiratory pathogen outbreaks have been reported from hospitals and nursing homes.

• Influenza A is the predominant influenza virus currently circulating in New York State. Of the influenza A specimens subtyped this season, 95% have been

influenza A/H3 and 5% have been influenza A/H1.

• There were no influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. One influenza-associated pediatric death has been reported this season.

• There were no COVID-19-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. No COVID-19-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• There were no RSV-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. No RSV-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• Wastewater surveillance data can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/wastewater/

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses/activity/2025-2026/docs/current_respiratory_report.pdf

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Influenza Cases in New York State this Week
Current Week ending 12/20/25




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https://nyshc.health.ny.gov/web/nyapd/new-york-state-flu-tracker

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United Health Services
UHS strongly recommends masking at all UHS facilities


December 31, 2025

Health & Wellness
According to recent data from the New York State Health Department, flu cases are surging at record levels.

“We are seeing the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week since influenza became a reportable disease in New York State in 2004,” said NYS Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald in a press release issued by NYSDOH on December 26, 2025.

Effective immediately, UHS strongly recommends all outpatients, visitors, and staff wear masks in all UHS facilities—both clinical and non-clinical areas. This precaution is essential to help limit the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect our community’s health.

UHS remains committed to providing a safe environment and reducing the spread of disease. As a reminder, free masks are available at facility entry points.

UHS leaders and clinicians will continue to monitor local and state respiratory illness trends, and other relevant indicators to guide further decision-making regarding masking.

At UHS, your safety and well-being remain our top priority. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation.

https://www.nyuhs.org/news-search/uhs-strongly-recommends-masking-all-uhs-facilities?fbclid=IwY2xjawPDR5NleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFqUXlIVEx4b2NRclpibUo4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHk604EMLxzltO-caWoAKGMK4XrtJZrTnB-Ek0MvJEzS1B9CKyPFTRRPM9ysi_aem_uaKyLT968zGyBCA8AB7ROA

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[Monroe County is Rochester]
More than 8,000 confirmed flu cases in Monroe County with 21 deaths reported

By News10NBC
January 9, 2026

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — New flu numbers were released Friday. In Monroe County, there are more than 8,000 confirmed flu cases. More than 700 people have been hospitalized, and 10 people died from the flu in the last week, bringing the total number of deaths to 21.


In the seven counties of the Finger Lakes region, more than 1,000 people are hospitalized due to the flu. However, no new deaths have been reported in the Finger Lakes area.

Jim Wesley, a former scientist in the crime lab who tracks and studies this data, expressed his concerns about the current flu situation.

“It really looks like — it’s almost like an exponential growth, almost like back during COVID, I hate to say,” Wesley said.

Wesley suggested that people should consider keeping their distance and reducing outings to help decrease the flu spread.

The flu data shows that 8 out of every 10 people hospitalized in Monroe County with the flu are 65 and older.

... https://www.whec.com/top-news/more-t...aths-reported/

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[On the County map, you can see Monroe with 1,076, see previous post #22]

Influenza Cases in New York State this Week
Current Week ending 1/3/26

https://nyshc.health.ny.gov/web/nyapd/new-york-state-flu-tracker

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New York State Department of Health Respiratory Surveillance Report

During the week ending January 3, 2026

• The recent winter holidays might impact laboratory reporting and healthcare seeking behavior.

• There were 67 respiratory outbreaks in hospitals and 125 respiratory outbreaks in nursing homes for this reporting period. Season to date, a total of 984 viral

respiratory pathogen outbreaks have been reported from hospitals and nursing homes.

• Influenza A is the predominant influenza virus currently circulating in New York State. Of the influenza A specimens subtyped this season, 95% have been

influenza A/H3 and 5% have been influenza A/H1.

• There were no influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• There were no COVID-19-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. No COVID-19-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• There were no RSV-associated pediatric deaths reported this week. No RSV-associated pediatric deaths have been reported this season.

• Wastewater surveillance data can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/wastewater/.

• On December 2, 2025, the Health Commissioner declared influenza prevalent in New York State. For more information visit: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/c...ansmission/

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses/activity/2025-2026/docs/current_respiratory_report.pdf

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New York's top doctor: If you’ve already had the flu, you’re at risk of catching it again
JAN. 14, 2026


New York state’s top doctor is warning that even if you’ve had the flu this season, you’re still at risk.

“One of the things about flu is that it’s not just one disease, and you can get flu more than once a season,” said Dr. James McDonald, commissioner, New York State Department of Health.

The warning comes as the Empire State experiences a surge statewide, and young children and the elderly remain amongst the most vulnerable.

The most recent numbers reported by the department finds this season, there were 269,433 cases overall and 17,833 hospitalizations. The most recent weekly numbers show adults 75 and older lead hospitalizations with more than 400, while children ages 0-4 made up more than 4,000 cases.

“It looks like a second strain is coming in,” said Dr. Harry Miller, lead physician, Four Seasons Pediatrics Boston Children’s Health Physicians. “Whether that will take as strong a hold as Flu A we’ve been seeing remains to be seen.”

continued: https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/ca...new-york-state

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NYS Flu Tracker
Week ending 1/10/26

https://nyshc.health.ny.gov/web/nyapd/new-york-state-flu-tracker

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Trending Influenza: Confirmed cases down 40% from last week. Hospitalizations are down 38% from last week.

https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/respiratory_viruses/activity/2025-2026/docs/current_respiratory_report.pdf

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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 NYS 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. 

continued: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/p...-01152026.page