New York is experiencing a record-breaking flu season, with over 14,000 hospitalizations so far in 2025. The latest weekly hospitalization count surpassed 3,100, exceeding previous peaks from the 2022-23 season. Flu cases in late January topped 53,300, breaking past records.
Hospitals statewide are under strain, though COVID-19 cases have declined. Experts attribute severe flu outbreaks to weakened immunity due to pandemic-related precautions. Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent decision to shut down live bird markets adds another layer of concern.
The current six-week flu case total has already exceeded past records, with uncertainty over how long the peak will last. Health officials stress that it’s not too late to get vaccinated as the flu continues to spread at historic levels nationwide.
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