The Flu Is Widespread In New York, Health Officials Say

As the days move closer to peak flu season, the CDC has confirmed that the virus is now widespread throughout New York state, with counties all over reporting cases of infection.

Based on previous trends, the number of flu cases in the state is likely to continue to increase and peak sometime in February. According to the New York State Department of Health, there was already a 56 percent increase of laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu from last week to the week before.

And as the number of cases grow, so do the number of people hospitalized with the disease. Nearly 300 people were hospitalized with the flu last week, up from about 190 the week before. It was less prevalent on Long Island than upstate, but the number of cases is still growing, according to the DOH.

Though flu season is here, it's not too late for you to get your flu shot, or have your kids get it. Children and the elderly are the most at risk for the flu, and are the most likely to have serious complications from the disease.

Many pharmacies and walk-in clinics offer flu shots. You can also call your doctor and schedule an appointment to get the shot. You can also use this tool from the CDC to find out where you can get a flu shot near you.

Getting the flu shot can have mild side effects, including soreness at the injection site, a mild fever and aches. However, according to the CDC, a recent study showed that the flu shot is the best way to prevent children from dying of the flu. The CDC estimates that, since 2010, up to 56,000 people may have died from the flu in the US.

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