Flu season arrives early in New York, with cases and hospitalizations surging

@keyframes spin { 0% { transform:rotate(0deg); } 100% { transform:rotate(360deg); } } Flu season starts 6 weeks early in NY ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) — Flu season is getting underway about six weeks earlier than usual in New York, with cases and hospitalizations rising sharply across the state, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. The state s latest data shows flu cases increased 19% in one week, while hospitalizations rose 17%. Compared with the same period last year, both cases and hospitalizations are up more than 400%. McDonald said flu activity is already widespread across New York, including the Capital Region, as health officials urge residents to take precautions ahead of Halloween gatherings and the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Health officials say the virus spreads from person to person, including through coughs and sneezes. McDonald emphasi