Flu Rampant In New York For Christmas, Health Officials Say

NEW YORK, NY — Now's the time to get that flu shot before it's too late. The influenza virus is currently widespread across New York State, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There were 892 confirmed reports of influenza in the week ending Dec. 16, a 56 percent increase from the week before, the state Department of Health says. The number has more than doubled since the beginning of the month — about 400 flu cases were reported in the week ending Dec. 2.

Some 269 people were hospitalized with the flu last week, a 42 percent spike over the prior week, accoding to Department of Health data.

There are between two and five cases of the flu per 100,000 people in all five boroughs of New York City except Brooklyn, where doctors recorded between five and 10 cases per 100,000 people, Department of Health data shows.

People aged 18 to 49 represent the biggest share of flu cases so far this year, followed by those who are 65 and older.

The flu is running rampant across the nation, according to the CDC. The virus is widespread in a total of 23 states. Eighteen children have died of the flu since October.

Here's a guide to where to get your flu shot if you haven't already.

Also Watch: Flu Prevention Tips For The Holidays

(Lead image: A Walgreens employee holds a flu shot in Oakland, California in December 2014. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)