ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Flu season is here, and the New York State Department of Health is urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated as new data shows severe pediatric illness and death due to the flu.

The great Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918 through 1920 led to the deaths of at least 50 million people, maybe more—it's named the deadliest pandemic in history.

In 2025, we have numerous measures in place to prevent and treat the influenza virus. However, according to new data from the CDC, during the last flu season, there were 109 reports of IAE (influenza-associated encephalopathy) in children reported nationwide, of which 37 (34%) were categorized as ANE (acute necrotizing encephalopathy), one of the most severe forms of the flu that affects children.

In New York alone, 13 suspected ca

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