The Flu is Now ‘Widespread’ in Most of New York, Including These Counties

It's a bit earlier than normal, but flu season is upon us in the Empire State.

This year's wave of the flu has hit New York earlier, and more aggressively, than we've seen in past years, causing the New York Department of Health to spring to action to provide preventative measures to the masses.

Here's the latest that we know, and what you can do to stay healthy.

Get our free mobile app

Latest Figures Paint 2022's Flu Virus as "Aggressive" in New York State

A story published by ABC News 10 in Albany shared details on the "early and aggressive" 2022-23 flu virus in New York. Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett stated that the flu is already considered "widespread" in New York as of Wednesday, October 5th.

596 laboratory-confirmed cases had been reported as of October 1st, compared to 150 one year ago.

44 of New York’s 62 counties have had at least one confirmed case, and the DOH mentioned the Capital Region as one of the areas that has been impacted the most thus far this fall. More information will be made available at the end of October, on the Department of Health's Flu Tracker website.

Of course, the recommendation from the Department of Health is to get this year's flu vaccine as soon as possible. They also state that one can receive their COVID-19 booster at the same time, with no apparent issues coming from doing both.

That being said, there are other basic things to keep in mind as we head into cold-and-flu season. Washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your arm, and drinking lots of water will help everyone stay healthy this fall and winter season.

The sooner everyone is able to start doing this, the less aggressive this flu season may be. Stay safe out there!