New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Declares Flu Prevalent Across the State

Declaration Requires Facilities to Ensure Health Care Workers Unvaccinated for Flu Wear Masks in Certain Health Care Settings

Department Urges Vaccination Ahead of Upcoming Holidays

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today declared that influenza (flu) is now 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 declaration that flu is prevalent across the state means health care facilities and agencies must require that personnel who are not vaccinated against the flu wear a mask to avoid exposing patients and residents to the flu virus," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  "The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against infection and lessens symptoms if you get the flu.  I encourage everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot, and it's not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones."

The declaration requires health care and residential care facilities and agencies regulated by the State Health Department ensure personnel who are unvaccinated for flu wear surgical or procedure masks during those times when influenza is declared prevalent in New York State.  The regulations allow for the removal of masks when health care workers are accompanying patients in the community, providing speech therapy services, or communicating with persons who lip read.

The Department's most recent data, through November 22, shows a total of 17,783 positive flu cases across 62 counties in New York have been reported this season to date.  Outside of New York City, week-over-week lab-confirmed flu cases are up 114%, rising from 1,688 cases in the previous week to 3,619.  In New York City, cases are up 119%, rising from 1,890 cases in the previous week to 4,146.  Hospitalizations due to influenza climbed by 99%, up from 208 in the previous week to 413 across the State.  A chart illustrating statewide influenza, COVID-19, and RSV hospitalization trends for the current season is available here.  On November 24, the Department issued a press release encouraging New Yorkers to get the 2025-2026 seasonal flu vaccine to prevent influenza-associated pediatric deaths.  In the 2024-2025 season, 27 deaths in children younger than 18 years were reported.  Current influenza information is available on the Department's Flu Tracker, which provides timely information about local, regional, and statewide influenza activity, and the new Respiratory Surveillance Report.

National Influenza Vaccination Week

December 1-5, 2025, is National Influenza Vaccination Week, an important reminder that as long as flu viruses are circulating, it is not too late to get vaccinated.  Even when flu vaccination does not prevent infection completely, it can help protect against serious flu-related complications, including hospitalization and death.  The flu shot is available to those 6 months and older.  Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions, and those ages 65 and older are most at risk of developing serious complications.  To treat the flu, there are antiviral medications that can be prescribed by health care providers, such as Tamiflu, which can reduce the length and severity of the illness but must be administered close to the onset of symptoms.  Avoiding illness by getting a flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of severe illness for children and adults.

The Department utilizes a number of tools to increase public knowledge about rising flu rates and the importance of vaccinations as a critical prevention step, including public education campaigns and information on social media platforms Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).  The flu shot is widely available, found at pharmacies, health clinics, and physician's 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, simple preventive actions can 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.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The 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.  For more information about influenza in New York, visit the Department's flu website.