Hospitalizations due to flu reach record level in New York State
Published on:
January 5, 2026
Flu hospitalizations have surged across the country. Photo contributed.
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GREENE COUNTY―New York State officials are reporting the highest number of flu hospitalizations recorded in a single week as confirmed cases have surged across the country.
"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 seven-day period compared to the prior week," said State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
The most recent data from the state Department of Health(DOH), for the week ending December 27, 2025, shows a total of 4,546 hospitalizations.
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) announced that there have been at least 11 million illnesses and 5,000 deaths nationwide this season due to the flu, including nine pediatric deaths.
Additionally, CDC reported 120,000 flu-related hospitalizations this season.
Symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting or diarrhea even though it is more common in children.
Last month, the DOH officially declared influenza 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.
"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,” said McDonald.
According to the DOH, a seasonal influenza vaccine remains the best protection against serious illness and death from the flu.
“It can help reduce absences from work, school and extracurricular activities, and provides protection for the most vulnerable members of families and communities,” the department stated.
Last month, new guidelines were implemented for visitors to Albany Med Health System hospitals, including Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, and St. Peter’s Health Partners due to seasonal respiratory viruses.
At CMH, visiting is prohibited for anyone with any respiratory or flu-like symptoms. Patients may have up to two healthy visitors per day over the age of 12 and visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“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 this record number underscores that this season is impacting more people than in other recent years,” the DOH said in a statement.
Flu season is not expected to peak until sometime this month.
