Flu cases on Long Island are on the rise, spiking as much as 16 percent over last week, according to New York state Department of Health statistics.

Across the state, 7,000 people tested positive for the flu in New York just last week, up 30 percent from the previous week.   

Doctors say the main culprit is the H1N1 strain, known as "swine flu." They say children can easily be infected.

Although flu rates are rising, state health officials say the numbers of confirmed cases are not as high as they were this time last year.

Doctors say aside from getting a flu shot, good personal hygiene can be critical to warding off the flu.

"Hand sanitizer on the go is always good," says Dr. John Zaso, a pediatrician in East Meadow. "Good, old fashion soap and water, preventing with the vaccine, and if you start to feel sick, don't go to work, don't send your kids to school so you don't spread it. See your health care provider, and see if you need to get on some medication."

New York State Flu Tracker: NYSCH.Health.NY.gov