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Flu cases across New York's Capital Region are falling again after a brief spike, according to the latest data from the New York State Department of Health. For the week ending Friday (February 14), Albany County reported the highest number of infections in the region with 92 cases, followed by Saratoga County with 86 and Schenectady County with 77.
The dip follows a one-week surge that bucked an otherwise steady downward trend. Health officials had flagged a rise in Influenza B, a strain that typically arrives later in the flu season and can cause fever, cough, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
The latest numbers, however, suggest the surge was short-lived. The downward trend mirrors what has been a season-long decline from peak levels recorded in early January. Earlier data showed Albany County reporting 245 cases for the week ending Saturday (January 10), compared to just 92 cases in the most recent reporting period — a dramatic drop over six weeks.
Statewide, the numbers remain significant. So far this flu season, more than 352,000 flu cases have been confirmed across New York State.
Nationally, the picture is similarly serious. As reported by the Albany Times Union, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates at least 18 million flu illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and roughly 9,300 deaths nationwide so far this season, including at least 32 children. Of the children whose vaccination status is known, 90% were not fully vaccinated against flu.
One ongoing concern is the dominant strain circulating this season. More than 90% of the H3N2 infections analyzed were found to be a subclade K variant — a newer version of the virus that differs from the strain targeted by this year's flu shots. H3N2 historically causes the most severe illness in older adults.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, cautioned against assuming the season is over. "We've had other seasons where we've had a peak, it's gone down, but we've nonetheless had a prolonged season," he said. "Most of us are crossing our fingers. But I don't think we can rely on the concept that flu is abating very early this year."
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has described this as "a long, hard flu season," urging residents to stay vigilant. Health officials continue to recommend the flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, with particular emphasis on young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. Residents who have not yet received a flu shot can find a nearby clinic by visiting vaccines.gov.