New Mexico Influenza Reports 2024 - 2026

[Commonground]

September 15, 2024 - September 21, 2024
Website: https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/

Influenza-li​ke Illness by New Mexico County

 

[Commonground]

October 8, 2024
Flu season underway in New Mexico


The New Mexico Department of Health’s (NMHealth) Scientific Laboratory Division confirms the first patients testing positive for seasonal flu, with NMHealth also aware of elevated numbers of flu cases in the Northwest part of the state.

“Now is a good time to get your flu vaccination before we start to see flu activity statewide,” said NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen. “Getting you and your family vaccinated every year helps reduce the chances of getting sick, missing work or school, or developing serious illness.”

Flu vaccines are updated annually to offer the best protection against the virus. NMHealth recommends flu vaccinations for everyone six months of age and older each year, with vaccinations available now through May. It is important for people in the following high-risk groups:
​
continued: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/vaccine/2024/10/?view=2137


​

 

[Commonground]

September 23 - October 6, 2024
https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/

Influenza-li​ke Illness by New Mexico County​​​​​​
https://filedata/fetch?id=998452&d=1728654150

 

[Commonground]

Respiratory virus activity is still low in New Mexico and the US, and the virus that causes COVID-19 remains the most common.

• Both COVID-19 and influenza-like activity are rising in the state.

• Vaccination rates are very low overall and is especially low among children (slightly over 10%). Consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (if eligible) now as infections are starting to rise.

• Long Term Care Facilities: No influenza outbreaks were reported this week.

https://filedata/fetch?id=1000645&d=1731940261

​https://filedata/fetch?id=1000646&d=1731940275

https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/


​

 

[Commonground]

[bolding is mine]
NM DOH Viral Respiratory Infection Dashboard
Summary of Activity: December 15 - December 21

• Respiratory virus activity is rising in New Mexico and in most of the US, and influenza like illness has overtaken COVID-19 as the most common respiratory discharge diagnosis among ED visits in New Mexico.

• COVID-19 and influenza continue to rise in the state. Statewide influenza-like illness (ILI) has jumped above baseline in the past week and is expected to continue to rise. All but one health region are currently above baseline ILI. Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI) have reached moderate levels in two of the five New Mexico health regions.

• Vaccination rates remain very low overall. It's not too late to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (if eligible)!

• Hospitalization rates for influenza and RSV have accelerated in recent weeks, especially in the most vulnerable age groups. Vaccinations are especially useful in reducing the severity of infections in these populations.

• Long Term Care Facilities: No influenza outbreaks were reported this week.

https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/
​

 

[Commonground]

Summary of Activity: January 19 - January 25

• Respiratory virus activity continues to decrease overall but the trend may be slowing. RSV is increasing, and influenza may be rebounding as well.

• It appears that the predominant strain of influenza A in New Mexico has changed in the past week. Because you may get reinfected with influenza A when there is a change in the circulating strain, getting vaccinated for influenza can still provide protection from new infections even if you have previously had influenza A. Additionally, the risk of RSV hospitalization is increasing at a time when the number of newborns with either maternal vaccination or newborn immunization is leveling off. Consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV (if eligible)!

• Percent positivity for flu and RSV are high (over 20%), suggesting undertesting among symptomatic individuals. Getting tested if you are sick and at high risk of severe respiratory illness can ensure you are being treated properly!

• Long Term Care Facilities: One influenza outbreak was reported this week.

• Prevention Recommendations & Treatment Guidelines
  • Which vaccines should I get?
    • Everyone ages 6 months and older should get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. This includes people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine before and people who have had COVID-19.
    • Who should get the RSV vaccine?
  • Find and schedule your vaccination
    • Call 1-833-796-8773 for questions and assistance.
    • The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to eligible children at no cost.
  • CDC's Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance: What to Do When You Are Sick

​Continued: https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/

 

[Commonground]

November 20, 2025

November 09, 2025 - November 15, 2025
Dashboard last updated: Nov 19, 2025

• Respiratory disease activity is still low. However, ED visits for influenza and COVID-19 appear to be rising for the past several weeks, and flu hospitalizations are starting to be reported.
• Since respiratory disease activity remains low, now is still a good time to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV! Talk with your provider to discuss which shots are best for you. Vaccination can help reduce risk of severe illness and death for you and your loved ones.
• The first adult death due to influenza for this season has been reported this past week.

​ Rolling Avg. Hospitalization Rate in Catchment Counties[/B
]

​ ​



https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/

​

​

 

[Commonground]

New Mexico Department of Health
12/2/25
State health officials urge flu vaccinations before holiday gatherings

​
SANTA FE – New Mexicans should get their flu shots now, before holiday travel and gatherings increase the risk of spreading illness.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is marking Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 1-5, by reminding residents that it takes up to two weeks to build full protection after vaccination.

“Early December is a great time to get a flu shot because it takes up to two weeks to build up the maximum protection the flu vaccine provides,” said Andrea Romero, NMDOH immunization program manager. “Shots will better protect you and your loved ones before the season of travel and get-togethers.”

Everyone six months and older is eligible for the vaccine, but high-risk people prone to serious flu complications include:

• People at any age with asthma, diabetes, lung, heart disease or other chronic health conditions.
• Pregnant individuals up to two weeks post-partum.
• Children younger than five years old, especially those younger than two years old.
• People aged 50 and older.
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities – including the healthcare personnel who work there and care for them.

The flu vaccine is covered by Medicare Part B, New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) and all private insurance. Public health offices offer flu shots to all children and underinsured/uninsured adults. Anyone having trouble scheduling a flu shot can call the NMDOH Helpline: 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) for assistance.

Adults and children with insurance can also contact their local pharmacy or primary care provider to get a flu shot.

For children 18 and under, vaccines are available with or without health insurance from a Vaccines for Children provider. Information on the Vaccines for Children program can be found at https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/imp/vfc/.

Contact the nearest public health office for an appointment for children and uninsured/underinsured adults. A list of locations is available online: https://www.nmhealth.org/location/public/.

Vaccination rates in New Mexico and throughout flu season are available at https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/.

---

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.

---

Versión en Español

En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.

Los oficiales de salud estatal urgen la vacunación contra la influenza antes de las reuniones por fiestas
​
https://www.nmhealth.org/news/awareness/2025/12/?view=2301

 

[Commonground]

November 30, 2025 - December 06, 2025
​ Dashboard last updated: Dec 10, 2025
​

• Respiratory activity remains low; however, ED visits for both COVID-19 and influenza continue to increase. Hospitalizations for both COVID-19 and influenza, along with ARI and ILI have also started trending upwards. COVID-19 ED visits for children under 5 years old are trending upwards and are at their highest levels since this summer. COVID-19 vaccines are available for children 6 months and older and can prevent serious illness.
• With the major holidays now just a couple weeks away, now is still a good time to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV! Talk with your provider to discuss which shots are best for you and your loved ones. Vaccination can help reduce risk of severe illness and death for you and your loved ones.
• No outbreaks in long term care facilities were rep​orted this past week.

https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/ ​

 

[Commonground]

New Mexico Dashboard​
Dashboard last updated: Dec 31, 2025

percent of total ED visits from 12/21 - 12/27/25 is 9.29
​


​


https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/

 

[Commonground]

Media
NM Department of Health: Flu is on 'rapid' rise
'We haven't peaked yet,' Presbyterian Healthcare doctor says
January 7, 2026

Excerpt:
In the state, "all the charts are showing a rapid increase in flu-related numbers," New Mexico Department of Health spokesperson David Barre said in an email. However, he added, "we do not have an exact number of cases as many people do not get tested or seek care."

... At Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Dr. Denise Gonzales said the surge in cases began two weeks ago "and it hasn't peaked yet and it's already exceeding the peaks that we experienced in the last two years."

...To deal with the high volume of cases, Gonzales said "hospitals might make operational adjustments like expanding virtual visits, increasing nurse staffing and using double-occupancy rooms when medically appropriate to safely meet patient demand."

..."And if you haven't been around someone who has been sick, it could still be good to get that flu shot," she said, "... because we don't anticipate it going away in the next month or two."

https://www.abqjournal.com/news/nm-department-of-health-flu-is-on-rapid-rise/2954346

​

 

[Commonground]

New Mexico Dashboard
Dashboard last updated: Jan 14, 2026

• Respiratory disease activity has decreased, mostly due to a decline in influenza. Influenza hospitalizations for influenza among older adults, however, continues to rise.
• Even with the recent decline, CDC expects elevated respiratory disease activity to continue for at least several more weeks. Flu vaccination rates remain below 30% across most ages and race/ethnic groups.
• While influenza, ILI, and COVID-19 are still the primary drivers of current respiratory disease burden and declining, RSV among young children has started trending upward. Talk with your provider to see if you or your young children are eligible for RSV immunization!
• It still isn't too late to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV! Talk with your provider to discuss which shots are best for you and your loved ones.
• One outbreak in a long term care facility was reported this past week.

​

https://nmdoh-reports.shinyapps.io/ViralRespiratoryInfectionDashboard/

​