SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Central New York is seeing more flu activity than any other part of the state.
The region reported more than 25 laboratory-confirmed cases per 100,000 people in the week that ended Dec. 30, a significantly higher rate than other parts of the state, according to the state Health Department.
There have been 471 confirmed cases so far this season in Onondaga County.
The actual number of flu cases is probably much higher than that because most people who get the flu do not go to a doctor or get tested.
Flu is a serious illness that can lead to hospitalization or death.
The government recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot.
The flu is widespread throughout New York. There were 2,887 confirmed cases reported in the week that ended Dec. 30, a 66 percent increase over the previous week.
More than 2,300 New Yorkers have been hospitalized with the flu this season, more than half of them people 65 and older.
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