Don’t be surprised if the office looks emptier than usual: Flu season in New York has officially arrived.

More than 14,500 lab-confirmed cases of the virus were reported in the last week of November, up 80% from the previous week, according to the latest data from the state Department of Health. Nearly 800 New Yorkers were hospitalized with the flu that week, up 93% from the week before.

State officials are urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the flu, as well as against COVID and RSV, as they prepare to gather with friends and family for the winter holidays.

"We expect a more severe flu season due to circulating strains of the virus compared to last year,” state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a statement on Tuesday.

"Gathering with loved ones is what this sea

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