New York has entered flu season unusually early, with thousands of infections reported before November and a Niagara Falls hospital already seeing more cases than it normally would at this point in the fall. The state Department of Health declared influenza prevalent earlier in the week of October 28, marking the season’s start.

The state’s Seasonal Respiratory Virus Dashboard recorded more than 3,500 flu cases and more than 230 hospitalizations across New York for the week ending October 17. Those figures put flu activity ahead of its usual seasonal schedule, according to Branden Simone, director of infection prevention at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Simone said the declaration came 53 days earlier than last year and roughly 43 days before the average point when case numbers reach the level needed for influenza to be considered prevalent. The statewide case count is also unusually high for October, he said, explaining that New York typically does not record that many cases until the middle of November.

At Niagara Falls Memorial, Simone said staff have already seen 15 flu cases, a total well above the hospital’s usual experience this early in the season. He said the medical center is prepared to respond, although he expects its case numbers to increase quickly as flu activity continues.

The reason for the early arrival remains uncertain. Simone pointed to several possible explanations, including weather patterns, without identifying a confirmed cause. He also raised the timing of vaccinations as a concern because the virus is spreading before public health officials have had their usual amount of time to get vaccines to large portions of the population.

That shortened vaccination window could leave vulnerable people exposed earlier in the season, Simone said. With flu already circulating and cases appearing ahead of their normal schedule, he emphasized vaccination as one of the most important steps people can take now.

“Get the vaccine,” Simone said. He pointed to local pharmacies, primary care providers and the hospital as places where people can receive a flu shot, adding that vaccination typically comes without a charge.

Simone also urged people to wash their hands frequently as flu activity increases. For those experiencing symptoms, he recommended staying home.