An unprecedented increase in flu hospitalizations affects the population of New Yorkas reported by state authorities in the first week of January, after registering more than 4,500 hospital admissions in a period of seven days. The increase, mainly attributed to the circulation of the subclade K variant of the influenza A (H3N2) virus, represents the highest number of cases reported in a single week since records exist, according to official data.

The New York State Health Commission reported on January 2 that the number of hospitalizations due to flu between December 26, 2025 and January 2, 2026 amounted to 4,546, which is almost 1,000 more admissions than the previous week. According to the official report, the upward trend is replicated in other regions of the United States, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies the state’s flu activity within the highest categories nationwide.

The current data are presented in a context of intensification of the flu season in the United States, where health authorities report high figures in both outpatient cases and hospitalizations. According to the CDC, at least 11 million Americans have contracted the flu so far this season, with more than 120,000 hospitalizations and at least 5,000 associated deaths, figures that exceed historical averages in recent years.

According to him New York State Department of Healthbetween December 26 and January 2, 4,546 hospitalizations for flu in the state, which includes New York City. This figure represents a substantial increase compared to the previous week, when approximately 3,600 admissions were reported, and constitutes the highest weekly record since systematic documentation of this data has been kept. Sources like NBC New York and abc7ny.com They confirmed the information disclosed in the official statement.

The doctor James McDonaldNew York’s acting health commissioner, stated that “nearly 1,000 more people were admitted to hospitals during this period compared to the previous week,” underscoring the intensity of viral circulation. “There is still time to receive the flu vaccine, and we remember that antiviral treatment can be effective if administered within the first 48 hours from the onset of symptoms, according to medical indication,” McDonald said in statements reported by Fox News.

The subclade K variant The influenza A (H3N2) virus has been identified as the main cause of the spike in severe cases in New York and other areas of the United States. According to the latest report of the CDC90% of the H3N2 viruses characterized in the country correspond to this subclade, known to cause more intense symptoms and a higher risk of complications, especially in high-risk people.

The federal agency reports that the current season shows a dominant circulation of the influenza A H3N2with a significant presence of subclade K, both in outpatients and hospitalized patients. Authorities of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have warned about a global increase in cases associated with this variant, a situation that has led to strengthening vaccination and epidemiological surveillance campaigns in the region.

He New York Department of Health and the CDC They reiterate the importance of vaccination as the main strategy to reduce transmission and the risk of serious complications. “This year’s vaccine may be less effective against the dominant variant, but it provides relevant protection against severe symptoms and hospitalizations,” said the doctor. Neil Maniarprofessor of public health at Northeastern University, in an interview with Fox News Digital.

The authorities also recommend:

• Wash your hands frequently and properly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Keep distance from sick people.
• Clean and disinfect commonly used objects and surfaces.
• Stay at home and consult a doctor if flu symptoms appear.

The CDC reminds that flu symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose. Early administration of antiviral medications can reduce the duration and severity of the disease if started within the first 48 hours, according to official recommendations.

According to the CDCthe percentage of outpatient consultations for influenza-type illnesses reached 8% at the national level, the highest value since 1997. The organization estimates that so far this season there have been at least 11 million flu cases, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths throughout the United States, figures that reflect flu activity higher than the average of the last five years.

In the specific case of New York, recent data far exceeds historical records in terms of weekly hospitalizations. The increase coincides with the spread of the subclade K variant, which has also been detected in other regions of the country and in the northern hemisphere, according to PAHO.

The increase in hospitalizations due to flu in New York has led to reinforcing prevention messages and the availability of care resources in hospitals and health centers. State and federal authorities continue to monitor the evolution of the outbreak, while insisting on vaccination as a key preventive measure.

According to experts from the CDCthe flu season usually peaks between January and February, so viral activity is expected to remain high in the coming weeks. Epidemiological surveillance remains active, and new updates are planned based on the behavior of the dominant variant.

The current context forces the population to take extreme prevention measures and consult official sources to obtain information on vaccination, treatment and evolution of the flu season in the region.