For the second straight week, number of confirmed NY flu cases drops

Is the worst of the deadly flu season behind us?

For the second straight week, the number laboratory-confirmed influenza cases has decreased across New York.

According to numbers from Governor Andrew Cuomo, 6,414 cases were reported to the state Department of Health last week. That's a 53 percent decrease. 

Cuomo also said the number of people hospitalized with the flu dropped by 41 percent over the past week. That's the fourth straight week that the number has decreased.

Still, Governor Cuomo continues to encourage New Yorkers to take the necessary steps to help stop the flu's spread. Those steps include getting a flu shot, staying home when sick and practicing good hand-hygiene.