ALBANY COUNTY — In the last week of 2025, the state’s health department announced that New York experienced the highest number of flu cases ever recorded in a single week. In the first week of 2026, the department announced, on Jan 2, that the state is experiencing the highest number of flu hospitalizations recorded in a single week.

The department's most recent data, which is posted every Friday by 5 p.m., shows a total of 4,546 hospitalizations.

“We are having a more severe flu season than prior years, almost 1,000 more people were admitted to a hospital during this most recent 7-day period compared to the prior week,” State Health Commissioner James McDonald said in the Jan. 2 release.

He went on to urge New Yorkers, “There is still time to get a flu shot and remember, flu can be treated with antiviral medication if started within 48 hours of symptom onset and your doctor deems appropriate.”

The number of flu cases reported has risen in recent years with more laboratories testing and reporting results, and with multi-pathogen panels becoming the primary way to test individuals presenting with respiratory symptoms. But, the health department says, this record number underscores that this season is impacting more people than in other recent years. Flu season typically peaks in January.

Seasonal influenza activity has increased globally in recent months, with an increased proportion of seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses being detected, according to a Dec. 10 report from the World Health Organization.

The report goes on, “Even if there are some genetic differences between the circulating influenza viruses and the strains included in the vaccines, the seasonal influenza vaccine may still provide protection against drifted viruses and the other virus strains included in the vaccine. Vaccination is still expected to protect against severe illness and remains one of the most effective public health measures.”

As part of its Respiratory Surveillance Report, the state’s health department maps activity for each county statewide. In Albany County currently, as in the rest of the state, there are more than 40 cases of influenza per 100,000 of population.

For COVID-19, Albany County has 20 to 39.9 cases per 100,000 of population.

And for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV Albany County currently has  0.01 to 7.09 cases per 100,000 of population.

In December, the health department declared that influenza is prevalent in New York state. The declaration requires health-care facilities and agencies ensure that their personnel who have not received this year's flu vaccine wear masks in areas where patients and residents may be present.

The state’s health department advises New Yorkers to get vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19.

Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and those ages 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications from flu, the department notes.

During last year’s flu season, New York reported 26 deaths of children related to the flu.

“The seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu,” the health department says. “It can help reduce absences from work, school and extracurricular activities, and provides protection for the most vulnerable members of families and communities.

The flu vaccine is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics and physicians’ offices across the state. The flu vaccine is available to New Yorkers ages 2 and older at a health care provider's office or at participating pharmacies without a prescription. Children 6 months and older can receive the flu vaccine at a health care provider’s office.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, the health department lists these preventive actions to help stop the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses:

— Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;

— Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands;

— Avoid close contact with people who are sick;

— Stay home when sick;

— Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash; and

— Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

A person can pass the flu to others from one day before symptoms appear up to five to seven days after getting sick, the health department says, adding that some people might be able to infect others even longer.

Unlike a cold, flu symptoms start suddenly. They appear about one to four days after a person is exposed to the flu. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and tiredness. Although some people may have vomiting or diarrhea, this is more common in children.