ALBANY, N.Y. (WHCU) — Influenza in New York gained strength last month.

According to the New York State Department of Health, flu cases between the second and third week of December increased by 34-percent. Hospitals across the Empire State also reported a 20-percent rise in hospitalizations because of the flu.

In Tompkins and Cortland counties, between 20 and 40 flu cases were recorded in that same stretch of time, while most other counties statewide saw 40 or more flu cases.