The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine.

Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine every year.

Flu activity in New York State (NYS)

The New York State Flu Tracker is now available

Flu and COVID-19

An annual flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone 6 months and older. It is one of the best ways to reduce flu illnesses, hospitalizations and death from flu.
This fall and winter, the flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 may both be spreading. For that reason, getting a flu shot will be more important than ever to help people stay healthy and to ease the burden on our health care system. Getting a flu shot now is more important than ever because doctors don’t know what the risk is of having both flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

It may be hard to tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 because many of the symptoms are similar. Testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. You can also learn about the similarities and differences between flu and COVID-19 here or talk to your health care provider.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) collects, compiles, and analyzes information on flu activity year-round in New York State (NYS), and produces a weekly report during the flu season (October through the following May). Weekly reports are posted on our website at: Flu Activity, Surveillance, and Reports.

Flu symptoms

The flu is not just a really bad cold. The flu is a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs, and other parts of the body. It can spread quickly from one person to another. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Unlike a cold, flu symptoms start suddenly. They appear about 1 to 4 days after a person is exposed to the flu.

Flu symptoms may include:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Some people have vomiting or diarrhea. This is more common in children.

Symptoms of coronavirus infection can be similar to flu symptoms. If you think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 talk to your health care provider and get tested.

People at high risk of flu complications

Anyone can get the flu and serious complications from the flu can happen at any age.

Some people are at high risk for serious complications from the flu. This includes: older people, pregnant women, young children and people with certain health conditions. This year for the first time, three of the nation’s leading, non-profit health organizations – the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association – are urging adults living with chronic disease to prioritize getting an annual flu vaccine and are also calling on health care professionals to advocate for and support flu immunization in their practices. Infants under 6 months of age have a higher risk of flu complications than children of any other age. Yet they are too young for the flu vaccine.

Those who live or work with people who are at high risk of flu complications should get a flu vaccine to keep from spreading the flu to them.

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