Health officials say the flu outbreak is expected to get worse in New York before it gets better.

The state Health Department says the number of patients admitted to hospitals with confirmed cases was up 55 percent last week, and one child died.

The department said a confirmed case of the flu was found in all 57 state counties and New York City.

Officials say the number of flu cases is likely to climb because flu is highly contagious and victims can spread it even when they feel better.

Doctors say the best defense against the virus is a flu shot, which takes two weeks to go into full effect.

We won't know exactly how bad this flu season is until April, when health officials can take all cases into account.

For more information on the flu, visit flu.gov.