Flu activity in New York City remains elevated, with more than 1,700 laboratory-reported cases for the week ending Feb. 7. Health officials say the data indicate that the flu season is still active and could continue into early May. The NYC Health Department is encouraging residents to get vaccinated and take precautions to protect themselves and others.
Although the recent increase in flu cases is relatively small, city officials and healthcare providers are taking notice. According to the City of New York, data highlight the importance of continued vigilance during flu season. Vaccines are available at pharmacies, clinics, and other providers throughout the city, with locations listed on the NYC Health Map.
Analysis of flu case data shows differences by race and ethnicity. Latinos account for 36 percent of cases, followed by whites at 28 percent, Black residents at 23 percent, and Asian/Pacific Islanders at 14 percent. Race and ethnicity information is missing for 31 percent of cases this season, so these figures may not fully represent the distribution of infections.
This flu season, New York City has reported over 146,000 confirmed cases, with children under 18 representing more than half. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to pose a risk for young children, and COVID-19 cases have shown a slight increase, with over 1,000 cases compared to 800 the previous week. The NYC Health Department continues to monitor respiratory illnesses and provides weekly updates on citywide trends on its Respiratory Illness Data Page.
Respiratory viruses, including the flu, can cause severe illness lasting days or weeks. Seasonal flu and pneumonia are responsible for roughly 1,500 to 2,000 deaths in New York City each year. Following last year’s record number of pediatric flu deaths, vaccinations remain a key preventive measure. The NYC Health Department recommends flu and COVID-19 vaccines for everyone aged 6 months and older, with high-risk groups also advised to consider the RSV vaccine.
