SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The California Department of Public Health says flu activity is on the rise in the state.

State officials say there is influenza activity in both Northern and Southern California.

 “Flu has the potential to cause serious illness and even death,” said CDPH Director Dr. Mark Horton. “But there is something people can do about it. I urge all Californians to get a flu shot and take other preventive measures to reduce exposure to influenza.”

State health officials are recommending everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine.

Flu activity typically increases the first three months of the year.
 
More than 225,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. due to the flu and its complications every year.