PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -
The winter season doesn't just bring with it the cold and snow, it's also the time when millions across the country come down with the flu and 20-13 is no exception.
"Influenza is here," said Clinton County Health Department Health Education Coordinator Laurie Williams
Williams says this season is different.
"It's interesting that we're seeing the numbers, the volume that we're seeing. We normally don't see numbers like this."
It's not just a problem in Clinton County
Last week more than 43-hundred cases were reported across New York.
That's up nearly 10% from the previous week.
And the virus is impacting nearly every Empire State county.
Williams doesn't know why it's so bad.
"There really is no cause, it will probably be sometime before we find out why we're seeing higher numbers than normal," said Williams.
The best way to defend yourself Williams says is by getting the flu shot, which she says is a good match to this year's stand.
Asides from getting the shot there's some other ways to keep yourself from getting the flu.
Health experts say it starts with washing your hands.
If that's not an option, make sure you carry around some hand sanitizer.
If you have to sneeze and don't have access to a tissue, make sure you do it in your arm.
If you do come down with the flu Williams says it's important to stay home as to not get others infected.
The flu hasn't just hit New York.
Friday Vermont health experts say for the first time this season the flu is throughout the Green Mountain State.
Health experts say it should stay around until April.
