Flu cases are rising across the state of New York. 

There were 16,043 cases of the illness reported in New York for the week ending December 21, 2024. That's an 86% increase from the previous week.

Most of the flu cases in New York are in New York City or the surrounding areas. According to New York State's online "Flu Tracker", there were 203 reported cases of flu in Broome County for the week ending 12/21. That's more than double the amount of cases seen in Broome County during the same time frame in 2023.

"A little bit higher this year, than last year," said Chloe Hunker, a Public Health Educator for Broome County Health Department. "But it's not uncommon, you know, time of year. Everyone's getting together on the holidays."

Hunker continued: "People should be vaccinated already. If not, it's not too late to get vaccinated. Anyone six months and older, they can get their flu vaccine at any pharmacy, doctor's office. They are available."

Hunker says Broome County Health Department is partnering with Broome County Transit to provide free bus rides if you are using the bus to travel to an appointment for a flu, COVID, or RSV vaccine. 

To see full flu stats for the state of New York, click here.