The flu is now prevalent in New York, the state Health Department declared on Tuesday.

According to state data, as of Nov. 22, a total of 17,783 positive flu cases across 62 counties in New York have been reported this season. In New York City, cases are up 119%, rising from 1,890 cases in the previous week to 4,146. For the rest of the state, week-over-week cases are up 114%. The state added hospitalizations due to influenza climbed by 99%.

The declaration by the DOH requires health care workers in health care and residential facilities and agencies regulated by the state DOH who are unvaccinated for flu to wear surgical or procedure masks.

"The flu vaccine is the best way to protect against infection and lessens symptoms if you get the flu. I encourage everyone 6 months and older to g

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