The New York State Department of Health has launched an expanded Respiratory Surveillance Report, which now includes data on flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This update aims to give a more complete picture of respiratory illness trends across the state. The report provides weekly information on cases, hospitalizations, pediatric deaths, and outbreaks in both long-term and acute care facilities.
Alongside this report, the Department has reactivated its Flu Tracker dashboard. This tool offers visual summaries of laboratory-confirmed flu cases and related hospitalizations. Users can view data by region and monitor trends over time.
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “As we head into the fall and winter seasons, when respiratory infections typically surge, you can now follow the data regarding flu, COVID and RSV along with us. Flu, COVID and RSV are vaccine preventable diseases and these vaccines are the best protection against serious illness or death.”
According to the most recent Respiratory Viruses Surveillance Report for the week ending November 1, 2025, there were 1,332 lab-confirmed cases of flu in New York State. COVID-19 accounted for 2,141 reported cases during that period while RSV had 734 reported cases. Hospitalizations included 72 people with flu, 298 with COVID-19, and 53 with RSV. Both flu and RSV numbers increased compared to the previous week.
Although current case numbers remain low for all three viruses as of early November, health officials note that late fall and winter months usually bring a steady rise in respiratory infections due to people spending more time indoors together.
Both the new surveillance report and Flu Tracker are available through the Department’s Respiratory Viruses webpage. The site also contains prevention tips as well as reporting guidelines for healthcare providers.
Expanding surveillance to include multiple viruses is part of broader efforts by the Department to keep residents informed about public health conditions statewide. Other similar reports include updates on global health concerns or mosquito-borne diseases.
Early symptoms of flu, COVID-19, and RSV often resemble each other. Vaccination remains key in preventing infection or severe outcomes from these illnesses; vaccines are accessible at pharmacies, clinics or medical offices throughout New York State.
Health officials also recommend basic preventative measures such as handwashing and staying home when sick to help reduce spread. Those experiencing symptoms—or living with or caring for individuals at higher risk—should consider wearing a well-fitting mask around others.
To further promote awareness about these illnesses and vaccinations as a preventive measure against them, the Department shares regular updates via Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
