Flu Rates in New York Reach Record-Breaking Highs
Many in NY residents are feeling the symptoms as flu rates continue to skyrocket. Photo by Kristine Wook via Unsplash
Does it seem like everyone you know has been sick recently? If so, you are not too far off. As the winter months progress, flu numbers across New York continue to skyrocket.
The CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from the flu so far this season. Additionally, the number of cases of influenza-like illnesses reported in doctors' offices and urgent care centers is the highest this country has seen in 15 years.
As the 20th week of the 2024-25 flu season approaches, activity continues to remain elevated and does not show signs of slowing down. These record-breaking statistics can be seen nationwide, with New York being one of the hardest-hit states.
According to the New York State Department of Health, more than 370,000 cases have been reported statewide, with over 23,000 resulting in hospitalization.
The effects can also be seen here in Dutchess County, which reported nearly 900 cases of influenza last week and is averaging about 50 hospitalizations per week in 2025.
“Over the past several weeks, Nuvance Health has experienced a significant increase in influenza A cases, accompanied by a smaller number of RSV and COVID-19 infections,” said Dr. Hector Ojeda-Martinez, hospital epidemiologist at Nuvance Health/Vassar Brothers Medical Center.
There is no definitive answer as to what is causing the unprecedented number of flu cases this season. However, experts have cited a combination of possible factors contributing to the phenomena.
Low vaccination may be partially responsible. As of late January, the rate of those who had received a flu vaccine was well below the CDC’s target of 70% coverage, with only about 44% of U.S. adults and children vaccinated. The result is a reduction in population immunity.
Another contributor is the late start to the flu season. By the CDC’s definition, flu season typically begins the first week of October and peaks around December.
Jennifer Miyana, a nurse practitioner at Pulse-MD Urgent Care in Poughkeepsie, noticed this was not the case this year.
“[Flu season] usually starts in October and it can go to May. We just didn’t see anything until December” said Miyana.
Instead, this year’s flu rates are currently peaking, with the week of Feb. 1 bringing 54,360 reported cases statewide. A late start to the season can result in a more concentrated and potentially severe outbreak later on, as the virus has more time to spread widely through the population before people start taking preventative measures. Relaxed preventative measures often lead to a larger number of cases occurring within a shorter period.
Many have missed work and school because of illness, and multiple schools have even been forced to close. The illness not only impedes daily life but poses a greater threat to people’s health.
Ojeda-Martinez noted that a “more severe disease progression has been observed in two specific patient populations: People with weakened immune systems and those with multiple health conditions.”
Those with a weakened immune system — either due to preexisting conditions or caused by the flu — are more susceptible to contracting a secondary illness, notably pneumonia. Healthcare facilities that are already struggling to keep up, may face a “double hit” when secondary illnesses arise.
For now, it is highly advised that people wash their hands, limit contact with those who are presenting flu-like symptoms and stay home if they are not feeling well.
“The situation underscores the importance of continued vigilance, vaccination efforts and public health measures to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses,” says Ojeda-Martinez.“By following evidence-based guidelines, individuals can contribute significantly to public health efforts aimed at controlling the spread of respiratory infections and minimizing their impact on community health and healthcare systems.”