The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says there are more cases of the flu this year than there were last year nationwide.

According to the CDC, there are about 700 more cases of the flu so far this season than last year on Long Island.

MORE: CDC: Over 3 million people nationwide have been infected with the flu 

Dr. Nicolas Hernandez, of Northwell Health Plainview Hospital, says he believes more people are trying to tough the sickness out by continuing with their busy routines.

"I think we forget to take some rest and take at least a day off or two and kind of get better before exposing other people and that's why I think we're seeing more cases,” says Hernandez.

Doctors say the best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get the flu shot, even though it’s 12 weeks into the flu season.

"You can get the flu shot even as far as April if needed,” says Hernandez.

Dr. Hernandez also says people should still get the shot even if they already got the flu this season.