Flu cases are surging across New York state, putting added strain on hospitals as they deal with a busy flu season this winter.

According to new data from the New York state Department of Health, 4,546 people have been hospitalized with the flu statewide. Just this week alone, hospitals reported the highest number of flu-related cases seen this season.

Doctors at North Shore University Hospital say they are feeling the impact firsthand. Dr. Payal Sud, associate chair of emergency medicine, says the volume of patients is unusually high.

“This reminds me of when COVID first hit,” Sud said. “The sheer volume and number of patients who are sick and require hospitalization and isolation.”

She says many patients are arriving much sicker than in previous years, and a majority of those hospitalized have not received a flu vaccine.

“A lot of patients this year are not getting the vaccine,” Sud said. “The vaccine doesn’t prevent you from getting the flu, it prevents you from being extremely sick from the flu.”

Catholic Health hospitals report that about 10% of their current patient census is flu-related. That is a sharp increase from just 1% at this time last year.

Doctors say simple precautions can help slow the spread of the virus, especially as cases continue to rise.

“If you’re feeling sick, do the things we did during COVID times,” Sud said. “Stay home, if you’re in a crowded place, wear a mask, wash your hands. All those basic hygiene things are coming back now.”

Some Long Islanders say they are already taking extra precautions, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

“I’m 89 years old, and I’m careful,” said Joseph Bruzzo, of Rockville Centre. “I try not to go out in crowds, and I stay home.”

State health officials say there have been more than 239,000 lab-confirmed flu cases so far this winter, along with more than 13,000 flu-related hospitalizations statewide.