Health officials have declared the flu outbreak in the state "widespread."

Officials in Albany say they are alarmed about the rise of cases and are telling residents that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

Dr. John Zaso, a pediatrician on Long Island, says, "The on-and-off cold-warm weather seems to foster early spring and early kickoff of the season, but a lot of people this year still aren't getting their flu vaccine, which is making things worse and it's spreading much quicker."

State health officials say they have confirmed cases in 39 counties, including all boroughs in the city and Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Because the state Health Department declared the prevalence of flu, health care workers who are not vaccinated are required to wear a mask near patients.

Health officials say more than 650 people have been hospitalized this season in New York because of the flu.

Physician Roxanne Carfora says there are steps you can take to not get sick, including increasing levels of vitamins C and D, and using zinc oxide lozenges.

Doctors also say a medicine known as Tamiflu is also effective in battling the flu, but only if you start taking it within 24 hours of getting the flu.