NYC Flu Cases Soar Past Previous Seasons

New York City is currently grappling with a severe flu season, exceeding the case numbers of the previous two years. As of the week ending January 3, 2026, over 128,000 residents have tested positive for the flu, overwhelming healthcare providers and pharmacies. Pharmacists report a significant increase in both prescription and over-the-counter flu medication sales, with at-home tests selling out rapidly.

Medical professionals are urging individuals experiencing flu symptoms to seek treatment within 48 hours to benefit from antiviral medications. These treatments have proven effective in decreasing symptom severity, duration, and crucially, hospitalizations. CityMD locations have noted approximately a 30% rise in patient volume, primarily due to the surge in flu cases.

Flu hospitalizations in New York have also seen a substantial increase, with a 24% rise reported during Christmas week. Health officials emphasize the preventative power of flu vaccines, particularly in light of a record number of pediatric flu deaths in the prior respiratory virus season, where 89% of eligible children were unvaccinated. Vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, and it is not too late to get immunized as the season can extend through April.