High fevers, sore throat, coughing and body aches are all symptoms of influenza, a virus that seems like a cold but can be much more damaging.
The Erie County Health Commissioner says cases may be decreasing in New York, but it remains widespread and potentially life-threatening.
What's worse is one of the flu strains that's spreading is not covered by the flu shot. That means the most vulnerable people - young children and the elderly - might not be well protected.
"We know it's a bad disease," says Dr. Anthony Billittier, the Erie County Health Commissioner. "Unfortunately, I don't think we take it seriously every year. We tend to forget that 36,000 people on average die from it every year."
Flu cases don't need to be reported to the health department, so it's hard to tell how many thousands of people have had the flu in this area. But the health department does say it appears this flu season is longer than usual.
Flu symptoms are similar to the common cold ... But the flu hits quickly and doesn't let up.
"I think the trick and the biggest difference perhaps from a cold is that it doesn't go away in a day or two people tend to have a cough for a week, plus," says Billittier.