Flu cases are surging across New York, with health officials confirming the highest number of cases ever recorded in a single week since tracking began more than 20 years ago.

Doctors and pharmacists in Rockland County say they are seeing high flu activity earlier than normal.

“This flu season is probably one of the worst I’ve seen in a long time,” said Dr. Howard Feldfogel of Highland Medical in New City, who has treated patients for decades.

He believes flu cases will continue to increase through January, especially following holiday gatherings, before eventually tapering off. However, he cautions that another increase is still possible.

“There’s always a chance we could see another uptick in cases due to one of the other strains,” the doctor said in an interview with News 12.

Dr. Feldfogel and other health officials say the current spike is being driven by the flu Type A strain. According to New York State Department of Health data for the week of December 20, nearly all reported flu cases in Rockland and Westchester counties were attributed to Type A.

It shows Rockland with 1,244 cases and 1,227 being flu Type A. In Westchester, the data shows 5,409 cases and 5,074 being flu Type A.

Local pharmacies are feeling the impact too. Staff at NeighboRx Pharmacy in Pearl River say demand for flu-related medications and vaccines has been overwhelming.

“It’s a doozy — a real doozy,” said pharmacist Sarah Fratto. “It spiked very early on in the season. Usually, we don’t see cases like this until January or February. I ordered over 300 flu vaccines, and we have run out.”

Fratto says the pharmacy has also seen an increase in prescriptions for treatments, as well as patients seeking over-the-counter options to manage symptoms.

“We’ve been doing a lot of counseling for our patients on medications they can use to help reduce fever, chills and body aches,” she said. “It’s been pretty intense for them.”

Despite concerns that this year’s flu vaccine may not be as effective as in past seasons, both Dr. Feldfogel and Fratto agree it can still offer some benefit in providing protection and helping reduce the severity of illness.

According to the State Department of Health, more than 189,000 flu cases have been reported statewide so far this season.