Flu cases up 25% in Manhattan, 19% statewide: NYSDOH
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Flu season is in full force.
Recent data from the New York State Department of Health shows that reported flu cases have increased 19% statewide, with significant spikes across New York City.
There were 14,042 reported cases in the five boroughs between Dec. 28 and Jan. 4, according to the Department of Health. Staten Island was the only borough to report fewer cases.
See the table below for a breakdown of cases.
| Borough | Reported cases (Dec. 22 - 28) | Reported cases (Dec. 29 - Jan. 4) |
| The Bronx | 2,505 | 2,985 |
| Brooklyn | 3,525 | 4,160 |
| Manhattan | 1,728 | 2,155 |
| Queens | 3,377 | 3,917 |
| Staten Island | 843 | 825 |
While the flu can affect individuals differently, older adults, young children, pregnant people, and people with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk of flu-like complications.
Those who come down with the flu should stay home until symptoms and there has been no fever in the last 24 hours. People are most contagious during the first 3 three days of the illness. The CDC recommends wearing a mask and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue for those who have to go outside.
Receiving an annual flu shot and frequently washing hands helps to prevent the spread of the flu.
You can track flu cases in New York City on the New York State Health Connector website.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.