Influenza (also referred to as the “flu”) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Seasonal flu epidemics occur yearly during the colder months. Although the yearly impact of the flu varies, it affects the health of New Yorkers each season. Most people who get sick with the flu will have mild illness and will recover in less than two weeks without medical care. Older adults, young children, pregnant women, nursing home residents, and people with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity, are more likely to develop flu-related complications. Getting an annual flu shot, staying home while sick, and washing your hands often help prevent the spread of the flu.

These interactive views display flu cases and hospitalizations associated with the flu each week across New York, in each region and county, and compares trends between seasons. Data can be downloaded at Health Data NY. See Influenza Activity, Surveillance and Reports for access to the full weekly report. For more information about flu surveillance, please contact bcdc@health.ny.gov. Visit www.health.ny.gov/FluMaskReg for information on the flu mask regulation and the current status of the Commissioner’s declaration.