UTICA, N.Y. – The number of flu cases in New York state has increased by more than 54,000 from this time last year, according to the Department of Health.
As of Feb. 1, there were 89,597 confirmed cases of the flu in the state.
There are about 4,800 cases in upstate New York -- the most located in the Utica-Rome area.
The following is a breakdown of confirmed flu cases so far this season:
• Utica/Rome/North Country: 1,374 flu cases
• Western New York: 1,033 flu cases
• Finger Lakes: 913 flu cases
• Central New York: 779 flu cases
• Central New York’s Southern Tier: 745 flu cases
Health official advise people to get the flu shot, and take precautions like washing hands with soap and water and covering coughs and sneezes to avoid spreading germs.
To follow the Health Department's Flu Tracker online, click here.
