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In its weekly flu report, the department lists this year's outbreak as "widespread," which means the virus has been detected in at least half of the state, the department said.
According to health reporting and tracking, there have been 527 positive tests for flu between Aug. 26 and Dec. 22, the most recent statistics available. That's up from 347 cases reported on Dec. 15. Or an increase from 7.2 percent to 8.5 percent.
In addition, the department is reporting that three people have died as a result of the flu, two that were older than 65 and the other between 50 and 64 years old, and 162 people have been hospitalized.
Visits to outpatient clinics have also risen to 4.1 percent of people being seen, the department said.
Currently, most of the cases are Influenza A, with a few Influenza B viruses being reported.
Locally, Fairfield County has a confirmed 107 cases of flu, the third highest in the state, the department said, with Hartford County hitting the top with 171 cases reported.
The Centers for Disease Contol said reported cases tend to increase in November before peaking between December and February. Flu season typically lasts through the middle of the spring.
The best way to prevent the flu is still having a simple flu shot. It takes approximately two weeks following the vaccination for the antibodies to protect against flu to develop in the body, so make plans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
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